Mikel Obi caused a stir with his shocking statement: “Cristiano Ronaldo is not in the top 20 greatest players in football history” – social networks exploded with fierce debate!

The recent statement of former Chelsea midfielder, John Mikel Obi, has caused a stir in the football world. In a podcast interview, Mikel Obi frankly said:
“People choose Ronaldo over Messi just because he is taller, more muscular and more handsome. But if we talk about football expertise, I don’t think Ronaldo is in the top 20 greatest players of all time.”

That seemingly harmless statement became a media bomb, attracting thousands of mixed comments. Obi also added:
“Nowadays, if you say something that doesn’t suit Ronaldo fans, you will be considered hateful or spiteful. But I’m just telling the truth.”
Wave of reactions from fans
As soon as the video was shared on social media, Ronaldo’s fan community on Threads, X (Twitter) and Instagram exploded.
One person wrote: “Not in the top 20? Then name 20 players better than Ronaldo!”
Another commented harshly: “Ronaldo has scored over 870 goals, won championships in every country he has played for, won 5 Ballons d’Or, and is a hero for Portugal. If he is not in the top 20, who is?”
Ronaldo – The Symbol of Effort and Achievement
Regardless of Obi’s views, it is hard to deny that Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the most hardworking, determined and successful athletes in modern sports history.
From a poor boy in Madeira, Ronaldo has risen to become a living legend with a series of records:
5 Golden Balls

5 Champions League titles
More than 870 official career goals
The player with the most goals in the history of the national team (Portugal)
Ronaldo has also fought in England, Spain, Italy, Saudi Arabia and left a strong mark on all of them. It is his perseverance, desire and fighting spirit that makes many people see CR7 as a symbol of the will to overcome limits – something that not all genius players have.

The never-ending debate: Ronaldo or Messi?
Mikel Obi’s statement once again ignited the classic debate between Ronaldo and Messi – two superstars who have dominated football for more than two decades.
Messi fans believe that the “Argentinian magician” is superior in ball handling ability, tactical thinking and influence on the pitch.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo fans argue that CR7 is not just a player, but a global icon of perseverance, discipline and dedication, which makes him a role model for millions of fans.
💭 Conclusion: Mikel Obi dares to say what others are afraid to say?
Mikel Obi may not be wrong in saying that the football world sometimes avoids “unpleasant” assessments of contemporary legends. But asserting that Ronaldo is “not in the top 20 greatest players in history” is an extremely bold statement – even considered disrespectful to what CR7 has achieved.
Whether you agree or disagree, there is no denying that Mikel Obi has got the football world talking again, and once again, Cristiano Ronaldo is at the centre of all the conversation – as he has been throughout his career.
