'Better than Messi and Ronaldo' - Glenn Hoddle Named the Best Player He's Ever Seen

Lionel Messi once commented that he and Cristiano Ronaldo “pushed each other on” because they were both intensely competitive — which might actually be putting it mildly. Having two of the greatest players in football history performing at their absolute peak at the same time, and in the same league, felt almost unbelievable.

Yet that was exactly the reality as the pair battled for supremacy in Spain and across Europe, particularly during the fiercest years of the El Clasico rivalry. Watching their clashes sometimes felt like a footballing version of Irving Berlin and Ethel Merman’s Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better.

Their October 2012 meeting, which ended in a 2–2 draw between Barcelona and Real Madrid, was a perfect example.

Ronaldo struck first with a powerful left-footed effort at Victor Valdes’ near post in the 22nd minute. Messi quickly responded, though, levelling the match in the 30th minute with the sharp instincts of a classic poacher.

Around the hour mark, Messi produced a moment of brilliance, bending a superb free-kick beyond Iker Casillas to put Barcelona ahead. But Ronaldo refused to be overshadowed, restoring parity just five minutes later with a composed finish to make it 2–2.

That match was only one chapter in the many memorable battles between the two Ballon d’Or rivals in La Liga. Spanish football has felt noticeably different since their departures. The debate over who was the better player still divides opinion, and although Glenn Hoddle admires both, he believes neither can simply be labelled the greatest.

Glenn Hoddle On "Phenomenon" Better Than Ronaldo And Messi

Few football images are as iconic as Lionel Messi lifting the World Cup trophy in Qatar while perched on Sergio Aguero’s shoulders. Another unforgettable moment is Cristiano Ronaldo celebrating with the Champions League trophy while holding up five fingers to symbolise his titles.

Pele created a similar piece of footballing imagery decades earlier when he raised the World Cup high above his head in Mexico in 1970. And whenever Diego Maradona’s name is mentioned, many immediately think of the infamous “Hand of God” moment — something England supporters have never quite forgotten.

The Argentine legend was such an extraordinary talent that even when he bent the rules, he seemed to do it with flair. Just minutes after that controversial goal, he scored what would become known as the “Goal of the Century”, embarking on a breathtaking run from inside his own half. Maradona glided past Peter Beardsley, Peter Reid, Terry Butcher and Terry Fenwick before rounding Peter Shilton and finishing brilliantly.

Years later, Hoddle said:

Maradona captained Argentina to World Cup glory in 1986 at just 25 years old, delivering performances that elevated him into a class of his own. Whenever El Pibe de Oro received the ball, something magical seemed likely to happen. His dribbling mesmerised defenders during an era when very few players could match his creativity or control. Hoddle would later put Maradona's ability above Messi and Ronaldo's:

His exceptional ability was clear when he joined Barcelona in 1982, but it was during his time at Napoli that Maradona truly reached legendary status. He led the Italian club to two Serie A titles while also shining on the international stage. Among those who faced him was Glenn Hoddle, who lined up in England’s midfield during that famous 1986 World Cup quarter-final in Mexico City.

Many supporters still wonder how Maradona would have adapted to modern football. Hoddle believes he would have thrived in any era.

The only occasion Hoddle actually shared a pitch with Maradona came during Ossie Ardiles’ testimonial in 1986. They were part of a star-studded midfield that also featured Chris Waddle and Ardiles himself.

Maradona passed away on November 25, 2020, following a heart attack. His death prompted a wave of tributes across the football world, mourning one of the sport’s most influential figures. Two years later, fans were treated to Messi’s World Cup triumph in 2022 — a moment many felt carried echoes of Argentina’s original footballing icon.

Tottenham Wanted to Sign Maradona

In the mid-1990s, Maradona nearly became a familiar presence at White Hart Lane. Ardiles attempted to bring his fellow Argentine to north London during his time managing Tottenham.

After retiring as a player, Ardiles — who scored 25 goals in 311 appearances for Spurs — took charge of the club in 1993. Around that time, Maradona was considering his next move after leaving Sevilla following difficulties with the Spanish side. A transfer to the Premier League briefly appeared possible, but off-field complications ultimately prevented it. Ardiles would later reveal:

He added:

Ardiles later claimed that Maradona “would have loved to come and play for Tottenham”, though English supporters never had the chance to see him perform in the top flight.