Carlo Ancelotti has made his choice clear: Cristiano Ronaldo stands at the top of the list of football legends he’s coached — a list that includes Zidane, Kaka, Pirlo, Drogba, Ibrahimovic, and many others.
“Without disrespecting any other player, Cristiano Ronaldo is the best player I have ever coached in my career. He is very professional, very serious… a leader through his work.”
It’s hard to argue with that. Under Ancelotti’s management at Real Madrid, Ronaldo reached incredible heights — including winning the UEFA Champions League in 2014 (La Décima), scoring 17 goals in that campaign, a record at the time.
And while fans might debate endlessly whether Zidane’s elegance, Ibra’s flair, or Pirlo’s intelligence could rival Ronaldo’s impact, Ancelotti’s verdict is clear: Ronaldo’s professionalism, consistency, and influence set him apart.
So — who says otherwise? Maybe only fans of Messi or loyalists of football nostalgia. But when it comes to pure performance under his coaching, Ancelotti isn’t leaving room for doubt.
