When he named the greatest strikers of all time, Liverpool legend Luis Suarez did not hesitate to snub Cristiano Ronaldo.
Football fans are perpetually engaged in a debate regarding the greatest players to have ever played the game, as is the case in every major sport. A number of players are in contention for this title.
Ronaldo is undoubtedly one of the first names that football fans would think of when selecting the greatest to have ever done so, having won five Ballon d’Or awards and scored 926 goals for both club and country.
However, Suarez declined to select the Manchester United and Real Madrid legend when he identified the five greatest strikers of all time.
After playing alongside Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr., it is safe to assume that the Uruguayan is well-versed in the subject of strikers. He is widely regarded as one of the most exceptional forwards of recent years.
Consequently, it is unsurprising that the former Barcelona player was compelled to identify his top five greatest strikers during an interview with Bleacher Report. Some of the names may surprise you.
5: Romario
Romario, a Brazilian legend, was the first on Suarez’s list. He is considered one of the greatest goalscorers in history, having score 700 official goals during his remarkable career.
Suarez stated, “Romario is number five.” “His completion time is remarkable.”
Romario scored 39 goals in only 65 appearances for Barcelona, averaging one goal every 139 minutes.
In contrast, Barcelona’s Suarez averaged one goal every 122 minutes.
4: Ronaldo Nazario
“Next, Ronaldo, the Brazilian version of Ronaldo.” “He’s impressive,” Suarez stated.
“He is exceedingly swift.” He is a highly intelligent individual and an exceptional athlete.
It is unsurprising that Suarez paid tribute to Ronaldo when selecting the greatest strikers ever, given the Brazilian’s legendary status within the sport of football.
The two-time Ballon d’Or winner is considered one of the greatest players of all time by many, having scored 371 goals in 580 appearances for both his club and country.
Three: Diego Forlan
Forlan was nearly unplayable later in his career when representing his national team alongside Suarez, despite not making it at Manchester United.
Suarez admitted, “In my opinion, he is among the finest.”
“I had the opportunity to play with him; he is an exceptional striker who represented the team.” He had a preference for shooting from any location. He is of exceptional quality and occupies the third position.
Suarez and Forlan participated in 58 matches together, and both men were instrumental in their country’s triumph at the 2011 Copa América.
2. Gabriel Batistuta
“The second individual is Batistuta.” Suarez elaborated, “[My] favourite player when I was a child.”
“He was an exceptional number nine; I also appreciated his character. He was adept at taking free kicks.”
Batistuta is a player who may have been overlooked by some during his peak performance in the 1990s.
While playing for Fiorentina in the Serie A, the Argentine forward scored an astonishing 204 goals in 331 appearances.
1. Lionel Messi
Who else did you anticipate would be at the top of the list, in addition to Messi?
The Barcelona legend is widely regarded as the greatest player of all time and is a close friend of Suarez. Consequently, it was inevitable that he would be included in his top five strikers list.
“Messi is my absolute favourite,” Suarez stated with assurance.
Suarez and Messi have a combined total of 113 goals and have played together at both Barcelona and their current club, Inter Miami, in a total of 285 appearances.
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