Rivaldo elects Ronaldo over Messi to claim Ballon d'Or

In 1999, Rivaldo was considered the best player in the world. Thirteen years later, the prize is being disputed by Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona's Lionel Messi. At an exclusive interview to zerozero.pt (part of the footballzz group) the Brazilian star revealed that he would choose Ronaldo over Messi, and also spoke about his own football journey and career.

Rivaldo's career

When asked to elect the best goal of his career, and the moments which stood out for him, throughout his football career, Rivaldo chose the famous bicycle kick against Valencia, when he was at the service of Barcelona.

"My best goal was the bicycle kick which I scored against Valencia, right at the end of the match and which allowed us to qualify to the Champions League, that year," Rivaldo noted.

In regards to the best moments of his career, the 40-year-old man highlighted two: the conquering of the 2002 World Cup, with Brazil, and being awarded the prize of best world player.

"The best moment was the World Cup, in 2002, which we won against Germany. It was an enormous joy to become World champions. And I can also not forget the moment I received the prize of best world player, in Brussels," he stated.

Messi vs. Ronaldo

In regards to this year's competition, between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, to claim the Ballon d'Or, the former Barcelona attacker would give the prize to the Portuguese ace, but only if the year 2012 ended right now.

"I like both players very much. If the year was to end today, I believe that Cristiano Ronaldo could win the Ballon d'Or. Cristiano Ronaldo first, because of the titles he conquered with Real Madrid and Messi in second, for the number of goals he scored. In order to be the best, one must conquer titles," Rivaldo mused.

"Barcelona will dispute the Spanish Supercup with Real Madrid and I believe that  that match will decide who takes the Ballon D'Or award. But Ronaldo still has the European tournament, and he can stand out there too, so he can take advantage over Messi and become the best player in the world."

Neymar and Europe

Neymar is the currently the most acclaimed Brazilian player, being highly linked with a move to Europe, and in Rivaldo's opinion, the 19-year-old attacker has what it takes to reach the same level as Messi and Ronaldo, but he will have to leave his home country, in order to prove what he is worth.

"Neymar can reach the same level as Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi, but he will have to leave Brazil first," the former Milan star continued.

"He is a great player, but the images of the fantastic things he does are still not being shown worldwide. If he comes to Europe, then everyone will have the chance to see how this boy plays football."

"I believe that Real Madrid and Barcelona are the two best clubs for Neymar. Both teams are great options for him. But he has got the personality to play at other teams too, like when Cristiano Ronaldo moved to Real Madrid with a strong character, the same for Messi and the way he built his career at Barcelona."

"But I would like to see him [Neymar]in one of those two clubs [Barça or Real Madrid], because they are the two most acclaimed teams in the world," Rivaldo concluded.


The Best goal scored by Rivaldo: