Tennis prodigy Carlos Alcaraz, currently ranked third in the ATP world rankings, has revealed his selection of the five greatest soccer players in history. Among those honored are Cristiano Ronaldo, along with two other Real Madrid icons. This revelation comes as no surprise given Alcaraz's well-known passion for soccer and his loyalty to Real Madrid. Despite being a tennis star, Alcaraz demonstrates an extensive knowledge of football, showcasing the cross-sport admiration that exists between athletes.

In a recent outing, Alcaraz attended a thrilling match between Real Madrid and Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in December 2024, further proving his dedication to the beautiful game. His list includes Sergio Ramos, Luka Modric, and former Barcelona greats Ronaldinho and Neymar alongside Ronaldo. However, this choice sparked debate among fans due to the absence of Lionel Messi, another legendary figure in soccer.

Alcaraz later acknowledged the oversight on Instagram, expressing regret over forgetting Messi and suggesting he could easily name a different set of five legends. This admission highlights the complexity and subjectivity involved in selecting all-time greats across sports.

Beyond just soccer, Alcaraz’s admiration extends into hypothetical scenarios like naming his ideal five-a-side soccer team, which features Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane, Sergio Ramos, Iker Casillas, and Andres Iniesta. Such selections underscore Ronaldo's enduring legacy not only within soccer but also beyond its boundaries, influencing figures from other disciplines.

The influence of Ronaldo, who earned numerous accolades during his illustrious career at Real Madrid—scoring 450 goals in 438 appearances—is undeniable. It resonates deeply even outside soccer circles, reaching admirers such as Alcaraz who bridge the gap between different athletic realms through their mutual respect for excellence.