Luis Suárez (38, Inter Miami) did not include Cristiano Ronaldo (40, Al Nassr) in his criteria for a great striker.
On the 9th (Korean time), Suárez, in an interview with the U.S. 'Bleacher Report,' placed Lionel Messi (38), who is currently playing for his team Miami after Barcelona, at the top of his list of 'the five greatest strikers in history.'
However, Suárez did not mention Ronaldo, who continues to break individual scoring records, nor any names of European players. Given that Messi is closer to a midfielder, this might hurt Ronaldo's pride as a striker.
Suárez emphasized, "For me, number one is Messi." Suárez played with Messi at Barcelona from 2014, when he left Liverpool, until 2020. He also reunited with Messi when he signed with Major League Soccer (MLS) Inter Miami in December 2024.
The second greatest striker Suárez selected was Gabriel Batistuta. Batistuta played for Fiorentina and AS Roma and led Argentina to two Copa América titles (1991, 1993). Suárez noted, "He was my favorite player when I was young."
Diego Forlán ranked third. Forlán is a Uruguayan veteran like Suárez. He played for Manchester United, Villarreal, Atlético Madrid, and also played for Japan's Cerezo Osaka. He contributed to Uruguay's Copa América victory in 2011.
Suárez said of Forlán, "To me, he was one of the best. I played alongside him, and he was an excellent striker. He played for the team and enjoyed shooting from anywhere. He was truly outstanding."
Fourth was the soccer star Ronaldo from Brazil, whose reputation precedes him. Suárez stated, "He was incredibly fast and agile. He was an intelligent player and truly great."
Ronaldo brought Brazil two FIFA World Cup trophies (1994, 2002) and lifted the Copa América title twice (1997, 1999).
Brazilian Romário rounded out Suárez's list. Suárez admired, "Romário's finishing ability was astonishing." Romário won the World Cup in 1994 and Copa América titles in 1989 and 1997.
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