Former Manchester United F.C. defender Patrice Evra has opened up on why he rates Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of Lionel Messi, citing the Portuguese star’s relentless work ethic as the key factor behind his preference.
For years, football fans and analysts have debated the legacies of Ronaldo and Messi, widely regarded as two of the greatest players in the history of the sport. While opinions remain divided, Evra said his choice is largely influenced by what he witnessed firsthand during his time at Manchester United.
According to the Frenchman, talent alone is not enough to reach the very top, stressing that dedication and discipline are what truly separate exceptional athletes from the rest.
“Anyone might have talent, but do you put in the effort? Messi fans don’t like me when I say Cristiano Ronaldo is the best of his generation, but we shouldn’t compare them. However, it’s his hard work that stands out,” Evra said in an interview reported by The Telegraph.
Evra joined Manchester United in 2006, at a time when Ronaldo was already attracting major attention across European football. Having trained and competed alongside him, the former full-back said he watched the forward transform himself into one of the world’s most dominant players through intense commitment and constant self-improvement.
The retired defender has also faced Lionel Messi on the pitch, giving him a rare perspective on both superstars. He acknowledged the Argentine’s extraordinary natural ability but suggested that being born with such talent gave Messi a different path to success.
Despite recognising Messi’s brilliance, Evra maintained that Ronaldo’s determination to improve year after year is what makes him special and, in his view, the standout player of his generation.
The debate over who is the greater football icon continues to divide supporters globally, but Evra’s remarks add to the long list of professional players who admire Ronaldo’s mentality as much as his achievements.
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