Sami Khedira firmly believes Cristiano Ronaldo is ahead of Lionel Messi in the ‘greatest of all time’ debate.
talkSPORT hosts Andy Goldstein and Darren Bent were joined by Real Madrid icon Khedira on Drive to discuss the Club World Cup.
Khedira kicked off his career at VfB Stuttgart, where he won a Bundesliga title in 2007, before moving to Madrid in 2010.
Over his five seasons in Spain, he not only showcased his talent but also collected an impressive seven domestic and international trophies, including aChampions League victory in 2014.
In 2015, he joined the ranks of Juventus, capturing five consecutive Serie A titles and three Coppa Italia titles. He also reached the UEFA Champions League final in 2017, before hanging up his boots in 2021.
He had a successful career, winning many trophies at both club and international level, playing a crucial role in the German national team’s triumphant 2014 FIFA World Cup campaign.
During this illustrious career, he played alongside Ronaldo for many years and crossed paths with Messi numerous times on the pitch.
And when asked to choose between the two football icons, Khedira did not hesitate.
He said: “From my point of view, it’s Cristiano. It’s not a disrespect against Messi because what he has achieved and is still doing, especially in the U.S. is amazing.
“But I know Cristiano; I played with him for seven years in Madrid and Juventus. I know him personally quite well, so I’m 100 per cent team Ronaldo, but with all due respect to Messi.”
Khedira’s admiration for Ronaldo is entirely understandable, given their shared journey at Real Madrid from 2010 to 2015.
They celebrated numerous titles together, including La Liga in 2012 and the Champions League in 2014.
Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi: Honours
| League titles | Domestic Cups | Champions League | Major international trophies | Ballons D’Or | |
| Cristiano Ronaldo | 7 | 12 | 5 | 2 | 5 |
| Lionel Messi | 12 | 17 | 4 | 3 | 8 |
Ronaldo’s standing in the GOAT debate is solid, with five Ballon d’Ors to his name.
He began his career at Sporting CP, moving to Manchester United in 2003, where he made waves by winning the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League.
In 2009, he joined Real Madrid in a then-world-record transfer, becoming their all-time top scorer and claiming two La Liga titles, two Copa del Reys, and four Champions League titles.
Ronaldo made a return to Old Trafford in 2021 before parting ways with the club in 2022, eventually joining Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia.
On the international stage, Ronaldo is Portugal’s all-time leading goalscorer and led them to victories in the 2016 European Championship and the 2019 Nations League.
He holds a plethora of records, including the most official goals scored in football history. His incredible goalscoring and athleticism have truly made him a global icon.
Ronaldo’s rival in the GOAT debate is Messi, who Khedira praised for his incredible time at Inter Miami.
Having dedicated most of his career to Barcelona, where he collected an astonishing 35 trophies, including ten La Liga titles, seven Copa del Rey titles, and four Champions League titles, Messi also boasts numerous club records, including most goals and appearances.
After departing Barcelona in 2021, he joined Paris Saint-Germain, adding two Ligue 1 titles to his impressive resume.
Internationally, Messi captained Argentina to 2022 World Cup glory, finally grasping that long-sought-after international trophy. He stands as Argentina’s all-time leading goalscorer.
With eight Ballon d’Or awards to his name, a record in itself, Messi has also accumulated numerous individual accolades.
Khedira was speaking to talkSPORT ahead of the Club World Cup in the USA, which kicks off on Sunday, June 15.