At this Rate - C.Ronaldo could be the best Footballer of all Time

Cristiano Ronaldo could be best player ever, says Raul

Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo could become the best footballer of all time, says former Spain striker Raul.

The New York Cosmos frontman believes Ronaldo and Barcelona's Lionel Messi are on a par with Brazil great Pele and Argentina legend Diego Maradona.

Ronaldo, 29, was named world player of the year in January.

"I think now he is at the top, and if continues the same way, he could be the best of all time," Raul, 37, told the BBC World Service World Football show.

"I think Cristiano and Lionel Messi are two of the best players in the history of the game. Are they better than Pele or Diego Maradona?

"They are at the top, but I think it is difficult in football to say who is first or second or third. But if Cristiano continues for five years..."

Ronaldo has scored 23 goals in 13 league games this season, and 281 goals in 267 games for Real Madrid, including 27 hat-tricks

The Portugal international scored 17 goals in last season's Champions League, breaking the previous record of 14 held by Jose Altafini and Lionel Messi - BBC