In a recent commentary that has sparked considerable discussion among football enthusiasts, the esteemed former Italian manager Fabio Capello delivered a pointed critique of Cristiano Ronaldo, the captain of Al-Nassr. Capello, whose illustrious coaching career concluded in 2018, remains a prominent voice in football analysis, and his latest observations, made during an appearance on the Egyptian channel “On Sport”‘s program “Hat-Trick”, drew a clear distinction between the Portuguese superstar and the players he considers the true legends of the game.
While acknowledging Ronaldo’s phenomenal athletic prowess and immense goal-scoring capabilities, Capello explicitly refused to place him on the same pedestal as icons like Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona, and Ronaldo Nazário. “Cristiano is a great scorer and a stunning athlete, but he does not possess the genius of Messi, Maradona, or Ronaldo Nazário,” Capello stated. He elaborated further, emphasizing that this specific quality of genius, which he attributes to the other three, is conspicuously absent in Cristiano Ronaldo’s repertoire, making any direct comparison untenable.
These remarks from the veteran coach arrive amidst a turbulent period for the Portuguese forward in Saudi Arabia. Ronaldo’s recent refusal to participate in two Roshn Saudi League matches for Al-Nassr—against Al-Riyadh and Al-Ittihad—as a protest against what he perceived as insufficient support for his club, has placed him under intense scrutiny.
Broader Observations on Tactics and Team Dynamics
Extending his analysis beyond individual players, Capello also shared his perspective on FC Barcelona‘s current style of play. He praised the “very beautiful and enjoyable football” exhibited by the Catalan giants, yet simultaneously identified a recurring tactical vulnerability. According to Capello, Barcelona’s persistent reliance on an offside trap presents a significant weakness; on occasions where the line is breached by mere centimeters, it leaves the opposition striker with a clear one-on-one opportunity against the goalkeeper.
Delving into the complex dynamics of dressing room personalities and ego management, Capello reflected on his own tenure at Real Madrid. He recalled Ronaldo Nazário as a “passive leader,” a player known for organizing extravagant parties while displaying a distinct lack of enthusiasm for training sessions. Capello suggested that certain analogous issues might be resurfacing within the current Real Madrid squad. He cited the instance where Kylian Mbappé instructed his teammates not to form a guard of honor for Barcelona following a Spanish Super Cup defeat, interpreting this act as a sign that the coach no longer wielded definitive authority or command over the team.
Furthermore, Capello addressed the evolving situation of Jude Bellingham at the Royal Club. He contrasted the English midfielder’s current role with his earlier performances under Carlo Ancelotti, noting that Bellingham previously enjoyed greater freedom of movement. “Now it seems as if his wings have been clipped, as if he is stuck in one place,” Capello observed, highlighting a perceived shift in the player’s tactical deployment and on-pitch influence.