Cristiano Ronaldo and the Ultimate Football XI: A 2025 Perspective

Cristiano Ronaldo. The name alone commands attention, awe, and endless debate in the world of football. With a legacy built over two decades, Ronaldo has dominated conversations from the streets of Lisbon to the grandest stages of world football. But as of 2025, the question emerges: Does Ronaldo still belong in the current best XI of world football?

In this in-depth blog post, we’ll explore that question thoroughly. We'll examine Ronaldo’s ongoing influence, compare him to current top talents, and ultimately build both a 2025 best XI and an all-time greatest XI—highlighting exactly where Cristiano Ronaldo fits in both. Prepare for a deep dive into stats, legacy, form, and the evolution of one of the greatest football icons to ever grace the pitch.

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⚽ Part 1: Cristiano Ronaldo in 2025 – Still a Force?

🏟️ The Journey So Far

As of 2025, Ronaldo is 40 years old and currently plays for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. While the league itself has grown rapidly, and Ronaldo’s presence helped accelerate that growth, it remains a level below Europe’s top five leagues in terms of quality, competition, and intensity.

Yet, Ronaldo’s numbers are still unbelievable:

• 2023/24 Season at Al Nassr: 35 goals in 42 appearances

• Portugal National Team: Leading goal scorer in Euro 2024 qualifying

• Fitness Level: Still matches players a decade younger

• Social Media & Marketing Influence: Number one most-followed athlete in the world

Ronaldo’s dedication to his craft, physical maintenance, and hunger for goals make him a modern marvel of longevity.

📉 The Drop-off

However, in pure footballing terms, some aspects have naturally declined:

•Reduced involvement in build-up play

•Less pressing intensity in modern high-press systems

•Preference for structured systems over fluid tactical setups

In elite European football, where the pace and tactical requirements are razor-sharp, Ronaldo is no longer at the forefront. That doesn’t diminish his greatness—it simply reflects the natural arc of a long career.

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🌍 Part 2: Best XI in the World – 2025 Edition

To build a 2025 best XI, we consider:

1. Current Form

2. Influence at the Top Level

3. Team Contribution

4. Versatility and Tactical Fit

✅ Formation: 4-3-3

This formation reflects modern football’s balance between defense, midfield creativity, and attacking potency.

🔐 Goalkeeper

Alisson Becker (Liverpool / Brazil)

A complete goalkeeper: strong reflexes, elite positioning, and superb distribution.

🛡️ Defense

RB: Kyle Walker (Manchester City / England) – A tactical asset with unmatched recovery pace.

CB: Rúben Dias (Manchester City / Portugal) – Commanding presence and composure.

CB: Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool / Netherlands) – A defensive rock, despite age.

LB: Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich / Canada) – Explosive pace and attacking drive.

⚙️ Midfield

CDM: Rodri (Manchester City / Spain) – Controls tempo and transitions.

CM: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid / England) – A generational all-rounder.

CM: Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City / Belgium) – Creative genius, unmatched passing.

🔥 Attack

RW: Lionel Messi (Inter Miami / Argentina) – Even in MLS, his football IQ is generational.

ST: Erling Haaland (Manchester City / Norway) – A ruthless goal machine.

LW: Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid / France) – Speed, goals, and superstardom.

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❓Why Isn’t Ronaldo in the 2025 Best XI?

1. Current Form in Top-Level Football

Ronaldo's incredible numbers in Saudi Arabia don’t match the competitive level of Haaland or Mbappé in Europe’s top leagues and Champions League.

2. Team Dynamics and Pressing Systems

Modern teams require intense off-the-ball work. Ronaldo’s reduced pressing makes it hard for him to fit into elite tactical systems without the team compensating defensively.

3. Pace and Youth

At 40, Ronaldo is still elite—but younger forwards are currently more explosive, dynamic, and versatile in open play.

4. Evolution of Football

Football in 2025 is faster, more positionally fluid, and data-driven. While Ronaldo remains a master finisher, modern wingers and strikers are expected to do more in build-up and transitions.

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👑 Part 3: All-Time Greatest XI – The Legacy Team

Now let’s talk legacy, not just current form. Here’s where Ronaldo absolutely dominates.

🏆 Formation: 4-3-3 (Legacy Version)

🔐 Goalkeeper

Gianluigi Buffon (Italy) – Decades of elite shot-stopping and leadership.

🛡️ Defense

RB: Cafu (Brazil)

CB: Franz Beckenbauer (Germany)

CB: Paolo Maldini (Italy)

LB: Roberto Carlos (Brazil)

🧠 Midfield

CDM: Xavi Hernández (Spain)

CM: Andrés Iniesta (Spain)

CM: Zinedine Zidane (France)

🔥 Attack

RW: Lionel Messi (Argentina)

ST: Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)

LW: Pelé (Brazil)

✅ Why Ronaldo Makes the All-Time XI

Goals: Over 938 career goals

Trophies: 5 Champions Leagues, 7 league titles, European Champion

Consistency: Scored 20+ goals for 17 consecutive seasons

Clutch Factor: Dozens of game-winning goals in knockout stages

Ronaldo is the most complete forward in football history—power, speed, heading, free kicks, penalties, work rate, and professionalism. His longevity across England, Spain, Italy, and Saudi Arabia is unprecedented.

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🧠 Part 4: Ronaldo’s Unique Value – More Than Stats

🌟 Mentality

Ronaldo’s self-belief, hunger, and obsession with improvement turned him from a skinny winger at Sporting CP into a global icon. His career is a blueprint for discipline and hard work.

📣 Global Brand

He’s not just a footballer; he’s a cultural figure. Ronaldo brought global eyes to Juventus and then to the Saudi Pro League.

🏅 Mentorship

Even now, he sets an example for younger players in training and preparation. His presence raises standards in every locker room.

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🤔 The Ronaldo vs. Messi Debate

You can’t mention Ronaldo without addressing the eternal debate. Here’s a quick comparison:

Category	Cristiano Ronaldo	Lionel Messi
Goals	930+ (as of 2025)	860+
Assists	250+	350+
Major Trophies	35+	40+
National Titles	Euro 2016, x2 Nations League	Copa America, World Cup
Clubs	Sporting, Man Utd, Real, Juve, Al Nassr	Barcelona, PSG, Inter Miami
Style	Physical, powerful finisher	Magical playmaker, dribbler

Verdict: They’re both footballing GOATs. Ronaldo’s power and adaptability complement Messi’s artistry. The world was lucky to witness both.

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🔄 Alternate Best XIs With Ronaldo in 2025

If you were to include Ronaldo, here are two creative lineups:

Option 1: 4-2-3-1 (with Ronaldo as CF)

GK: Alisson

Defense: Walker, Dias, Van Dijk, Davies

Midfield: Rodri, Bellingham

Attack: Messi (RW), De Bruyne (CAM), Mbappé (LW)

Striker: Ronaldo

Option 2: 4-4-2 Diamond (Messi-Ronaldo up front)

GK: Maignan

Defense: Hakimi, Saliba, Marquinhos, Theo Hernandez

Midfield: Rice, Bellingham, Modrić, De Bruyne

Forwards: Ronaldo, Messi

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🎯 Conclusion: Where Does Ronaldo Stand in 2025?

Cristiano Ronaldo is no longer in the best starting XI purely based on current form in elite competition—but he remains:

One of the greatest footballers in history

A role model of athletic professionalism

A continued goal threat in any game

A cultural and inspirational legend

Even if he doesn't start in the 2025 best XI, he is still a super-sub, mentor, and game-changer. More importantly, his place in football history is unchallenged.

⚽ 2025’s Best XI is Built on a Foundation That Ronaldo Helped Lay.

And for that, he will always be in the hearts of fans, in highlight reels, and in every conversation about greatness.