Pakistan fast-bowling legend Shoaib Akhtar has said that he would have played football like Brazilian icon Ronaldo Nazário had he chosen the sport instead of cricket.
Ronaldo Nazário, widely known as R9, became one of football’s biggest stars and played a key role in Brazil’s 2002 FIFA World Cup victory. He won the Golden Boot as Brazil secured its fifth World Cup title.
“If I had been a footballer, I’d have been Ronaldo Nazário. Deshat (terror), badmash (mischievous), dribble, control, all ingredients in one man,” Shoaib Akhtar said.
He also joked that his speed would have made it difficult for both Ronaldo Nazário and Cristiano Ronaldo to keep up with him.
“And brother, if I ran properly, then R9 and CR7 would be left behind,” he said.
During the discussion, a panelist suggested that Akhtar might also have played like French football legend Zinedine Zidane. Akhtar responded by saying his own approach would have been far more physical.
“I would have hit a lot! I would have broken many legs!” he joked.
If I had been a footballer, I'd have been Ronaldo Nazário. "Deshat, badmash, dribble, control… all ingredients in one man." #PAKvWI #GameOnHai #PTVSports pic.twitter.com/c7sUJElMgm
— PTV Sports (@PTVSp0rts) July 24, 2026
Shoaib Akhtar later praised Lionel Messi, describing him as arguably the greatest footballer to have ever played the game.
He pointed to Messi’s eight Ballon d’Or awards and said the Argentine had won 48 trophies during his career.
“Eight Ballon d’Ors, a 48-trophy streak, the greatest man to walk on planet Earth as a footballer, the young Messi. I mean, what can I say about him?” Akhtar said.
He also praised Messi’s fitness and workload, claiming that the Argentine had recently played between 18 and 22 hours of football in a single month.
“Recently, just in a month, he played around 18 hours of football. Eighteen to 22 hours of football he played,” Shoaib Akhtar said.
Akhtar also praised Spain’s performance at the 2026 World Cup, describing the team’s composition, attacking play, tactical setup and substitutions as outstanding throughout the tournament.
“But hats off to Spain, man. Their team was very good. I mean, they’re just fabulous. They were just tremendous throughout the tournament,” he said.
When asked to name his personal favorite, Akhtar again selected Ronaldo Nazário. He also mentioned Cristiano Ronaldo, joking that he had to include CR7 because his son was watching the interview.
Shoaib Akhtar then reflected on the evolution of football and named several legendary players who helped increase the sport’s global popularity.
He mentioned Diego Maradona, Ronaldo Nazário, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, as well as stars such as Kylian Mbappé and Neymar.
Shoaib Akhtar said these players helped football grow commercially, increased the value of broadcasting rights and inspired people around the world.
“Because of these legends, football benefited so much. Because of these legends, how much football sold! Imagine the rights; where did the prices go? Imagine how many people got inspired!” he added.
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