Ex-Man United striker Andy Cole has chosen in the ongoing debate over football’s greatest player, naming Diego Maradona as the best of all time, ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Cole, who left United in 1995, two years before Ronaldo joined the club, has always spoken highly of CR7. To still have that hunger and desire – that tells you everything.”But despite his admiration, Cole insists Ronaldo is not the greatest player ever. When asked by ESPN to name the best player of all time, Cole replied simply: “Diego Maradona.”Cole also praised Messi, describing him as one of the best dribblers ever alongside Maradona. When asked about the best striker he ever played against, he named Ronaldo Nazario, the Brazilian legend, as the most complete forward he ever faced.

Source: Punch February 03, 2026 18:36 UTC