Dani Alves names Cristiano Ronaldo as his toughest opponent

The Barcelona legend played against Ronaldo in a host of memorable El Clasicos.

Dani Alves has named ‘scoring machine’ Cristiano Ronaldo as the toughest opponent he’s faced during his illustrious career.

Alves developed into one of the best full-backs of all-time during his first spell at Barca between 2008 and 2016.

He arrived at Camp Nou a year before Ronaldo made his sensational switch to Real Madrid from Manchester United.

The transfer started one of football’s most iconic rivalries between CR7 and Lionel Messi. But Messi wasn’t the player who was tasked with stopping the Portuguese superstar when Barca faced their arch-rivals.

Alves believes he did a decent job of controlling Ronaldo but admits the five-time Ballon d’Or winner was the toughest opponent he’s faced.

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“Cristiano Ronaldo. This b****** doesn’t let you breathe for a second. I didn’t do too badly, but it’s difficult. He’s a scoring machine.”

Ronaldo left Real Madrid with a staggering record of 450 goals in 438 games. His incredible individual records and team trophies make him a prime candidate for the Greatest of All Time title. However, Alves considers neither Ronaldo nor Messi as the GOAT.

“I choose Pele for one reason: he changed football,” Alves explained.

“Messi changed a generation. All those people who are more than football, I’m going to choose them. And besides, I’m Brazilian.

“For me, Pele should not be part of this debate. If you ask me, who is the best player in history? I would say, Messi. Pele doesn’t come into it.”