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Football legend Cafu has reignited the eternal GOAT debate by expanding the usual trio of greats into a “four pillars” list, adding Ronaldinho alongside Pele, Diego Maradona, and Lionel Messi as the ultimate symbols of football artistry.
The former AC Milan and Roma star argued that greatness should not be defined only by trophies or numbers, but by players who elevate the sport into pure entertainment.
“The art of football”: Cafu elevates Ronaldinho into elite company
Speaking to El Mundo, Cafu praised the four icons for their effortless brilliance on the pitch, describing them as players who made football look natural rather than forced. “I love the art of football. And Maradona is the art of football. Messi is the art of football. Pele is the art of football. Ronaldinho is the art of football.”
For Cafu, these players belong in the same category because of their ability to “light up the game” and produce moments that transcend eras, styles, and statistics. He added that the quartet represents the highest level of football history, with two Brazilians and two Argentines defining generations of global fans.
What separates the greats: Cafu highlights mentality and personality
Beyond skill, Cafu believes what truly separates legends like Messi, Maradona, Pele, and Ronaldinho is their mentality under pressure. He pointed to their calmness and joy even when facing aggressive marking, saying their personality is what made them unforgettable.
“We’ve never seen Messi, Ronaldinho, Pele, Maradona fight with anyone on the pitch. They play football… they take a beating, get back up, and smile.” For Cafu, their greatness lies in how they respond to adversity — using dribbling, creativity, and goals as their ultimate answer.
Ancelotti’s Brazil project earns Cafu’s backing
Shifting to the present, Cafu also weighed in on Carlo Ancelotti’s role as Brazil head coach, describing the Italian as a rare figure whose influence currently rivals that of the players themselves. Having played under Ancelotti at AC Milan, Cafu praised his tactical discipline and training-driven approach, while noting that time remains the biggest challenge in shaping Brazil’s identity.
Neymar assessment: “A genius who needs full commitment”
Cafu also addressed Neymar’s legacy, acknowledging his extraordinary talent but suggesting the forward has not yet fully maximised his potential on the biggest stage. While calling him a “genius,” Cafu stressed the difference between winning continental trophies and becoming a true world champion — a distinction he believes defines football immortality. For Cafu, lifting the World Cup remains the ultimate measure of greatness, a status reserved for only the most committed and complete players in history.
