Ex-Bayern star Vidal surprises with ranking: Ribéry ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo | OneFootball

Arturo Vidal has played with and against some of the greatest soccer stars in history during his career. In a recent podcast appearance, the former FC Bayern midfielder caused a stir with a remarkable ranking – in which he even puts Franck Ribéry ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo

The Chilean played for several top European clubs during his career, including Juventus Turin, FC Bayern, FC Barcelona and Inter Milan, and the list of world-class players he played against is correspondingly large

In the video podcast Enfocados by former Peruvian internationals Jefferson Farfán and Roberto Guizasola, Vidal was asked who was the strongest player he had ever played against. His answer was clear: „Leo (Messi), Ribéry … and then Cristiano.“

Messi at the top – Ribéry ahead of Ronaldo

For Vidal, Lionel Messi is clearly in first place. The Argentinian impressed him the most on the pitch. „He’s different,“ the 38-year-old explained about the multiple world footballer

However, his assessment of Franck Ribéry was more surprising, with the former Bayern star even finishing ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo in Vidal’s personal ranking

„He showed so much commitment, really challenged me,“ said Vidal about his former team-mate from his Munich days. Ribéry’s mentality in particular made a lasting impression on him

Ribéry left a big impression

photo: IMAGO

Vidal also sees the Frenchman ahead in a direct comparison with Arjen Robben, with whom Ribéry formed one of the most dangerous wing duos in Europe at FC Bayern

The Chilean explained that Ribéry never held back on the pitch: „If you gave him a shot, he gave it back.“ The attacking player simply had „a different register“

In the end, Vidal summarized his assessment in one concise sentence: „I put Ribéry between Messi and Ronaldo.“

After a long career at the highest level, Vidal now plays for the traditional Chilean club Colo Colo in his home country, but his memories of the biggest stars in world soccer continue to make headlines.