Willian Has Chosen Messi Over Ronaldo
The former Chelsea star shared his preference during an interview on a popular football podcast.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Soccer
During an appearance on The Obi One podcast, former Chelsea player Willian stated that he considers Lionel Messi to be a better player than Cristiano Ronaldo. He attributed his preference to the Argentine's specific style of play compared to the Portuguese star.
Why it matters
The comparison between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo remains a central topic of debate among global football fans and players. Willian provided his insight into the distinction between the two legendary figures during a discussion with host John Obi Mikel.
Willian offered his personal take on the legendary duo while appearing on The Obi One podcast hosted by former Chelsea teammate John Obi Mikel. The preference was based explicitly on his own playing style and perspective on the sport.
The players
Willian
He is a professional footballer who spent several seasons playing for the English club Chelsea.
Lionel Messi
He is an Argentine professional footballer widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.
Cristiano Ronaldo
He is a Portuguese professional footballer known for his prolific scoring record and numerous individual awards.
John Obi Mikel
He is a former professional footballer and the host of The Obi One podcast where he interviews fellow athletes.
The details
Willian, who formerly played for Chelsea, participated in the discussion after being prompted by John Obi Mikel to choose between the two icons. He identified his choice of Lionel Messi as being grounded in the player's unique approach to the game.
Timeline
October 7, 2026: The podcast discussion was featured in an article publication.
Season Trajectory
The story follows a pattern set by the ongoing debate regarding Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, as professional players continue to share their subjective rankings of the two stars. This ongoing dialogue shapes the broader cultural narrative surrounding the legacy of the sport's most prominent figures.
The remarks highlight how personal playing philosophies often dictate player rankings within the sport. This serves as a reminder to fans that professional evaluations of talent are frequently influenced by individual stylistic preferences rather than universal metrics.
The takeaway
The enduring comparison between these two athletes underscores how their unique styles have left a lasting mark on the sport. Fans can better appreciate the debate by considering how different players prioritize various technical skills when defining greatness.
Further reading
For more on the latest discussions surrounding the game's greatest players, visit Soccer.
