Brazilian legend Ronaldinho was responsible for inspiring a whole generation to fall in love with the beautiful game but now he’s happy admiring the current talent displayed on the European stage.
Two titans of European football go head to head in Paris on Saturday as Liverpool face Real Madrid in a rematch of their 2018 Champions League final – and Ronaldinho knows who he’ll be cheering on.
When asked who he would be supporting in this year’s final, Ronaldinho shared a wry smile before answering: ‘Liverpool.’
Of course the Barcelona legend wouldn’t be cheering on his former arch-rivals Real Madrid, but he did have to admit they have talent on their side in forward Karim Benzema.
The Frenchman will be going head-to-head with Reds star Mohamed Salah in Paris, with both men looking to fire their side towards the trophy.
The pair have excelled for their teams home and abroad this season with the Egyptian netting a total of 31 goals – eight in 12 Champions League games – while Benzema has racked up an even more impressive total of 44 with 15 coming in Europe.
The 42-year-old claimed the duo are currently two of the best forwards in the world and admitted either could be in the running for the prestigious Ballon d’Or this season.
Ronaldinho was speaking at the launch of his Expedia Route 10 Freestyle Bus Tour of Paris and said: ‘They are strong attackers who are definite candidates for the Ballon d’Or.
‘Benzema has had a marvelous season and Salah has been great for many years now. They are both the best attackers in the world right now.
‘Both of them deserve it. They are both playing in the final of the best competition in the world. After the marvelous years they’ve had, they both deserve to be in contention.’
Kylian Mbappe was expected to dominate the headlines as the transfer window’s hottest prospect this summer but he shocked the football world by snubbing Real Madrid to pledge his future to Paris Saint-Germain.
The 23-year-old announced he had signed a new three-year deal with the French club before their final Ligue 1 game of the season, despite many expecting him to move to Real Madrid on a free transfer.
And former PSG star Ronaldinho holds the French starlet in high regard.
When asked if Mbappe was one of the best players around, Ronaldinho replied: ‘Right now, of the future… he’s a player that could be part of history.