Rio Ferdinand has defended his friend Cristiano Ronaldo, saying the Portugal captain’s career cannot be judged solely on his performances over the past three or four years.
The former Manchester United defender was speaking amid continued debate about Ronaldo’s current role, after the Portugal captain left the national team camp before their Nations League meeting with Denmark.
Ferdinand argued that criticism of the forward overlooks the scale of his achievements for both club and country, as well as the remarkable numbers he has continued to produce despite his age.
In a video posted on his social media accounts, Ferdinand said: “Where were Portugal before Cristiano Ronaldo? What did they achieve? Even reaching the latter stages, let alone winning?
“What frustrates me is that so many people judge him based on the last three or four years.”
Ronaldo’s current form and status have been the subject of scrutiny, but Ferdinand said the Portugal international was still producing statistics that would be impressive for any player of his age, regardless of the league in which he plays.
“He is still showing incredible numbers for someone of his age, regardless of the league he plays in,” Ferdinand said.
The former Manchester United player also pointed to Ronaldo’s achievements at club level, arguing that his legacy was built across several outstanding periods rather than one particularly successful spell.
Ferdinand highlighted the forward’s time with Juventus, Real Madrid and Manchester United, saying Ronaldo had made a significant impact at each club.
“I think a lot of people need to reconsider,” he said. “Look, for example, at Juventus and what he was doing there. Then he moved to Real Madrid, and then to Manchester United.”
He added: “That is like three world-class careers in one career.”
Ferdinand believes Ronaldo’s status as one of football’s historic goalscorers and his influence on Portugal cannot be separated from the criticism surrounding his more recent performances.
His comments came as debate continued over the Portugal captain following his departure from the squad ahead of the Denmark fixture. Ferdinand’s argument was that assessing Ronaldo only through the lens of recent seasons ignores the length and breadth of his career.
The former defender said Ronaldo’s continued goal-scoring and record-making should remain a central part of any assessment of the player, alongside his contributions for Juventus, Real Madrid, Manchester United and the Portugal national team.