FC Barcelona legend Ronaldinho has named a 78-time England international as one of the “toughest” opponents he faced throughout his career, alongside Paolo Maldini.
Ronaldinho names ex-England star as "toughest" opponent
Famed for his skill moves, which included the elastico, rainbow flick and no-look pass, Ronaldinho is one of the most iconic players of his generation, winning the 2005 Ballon d’Or, 2002 World Cup and 2005-06 Champions League in what was an illustrious career.
Undoubtedly, one of the Brazilian’s greatest goals came against Chelsea in the Champions League back in 2005, with the Barcelona legend managing to leave Petr Cech completely flat-footed courtesy of a clever strike from outside the box.
The 97-time Brazil international always threatened against the Blues, picking up three goals and one assist in the six appearances he made against the west Londoners in the Champions League.
However, given that the 2002 World Cup winner has a completely even record against Chelsea, winning two, drawing two, and losing two, it is clear he had a tough time against José Mourinho’s former club.
The former Barca star has since confirmed that he found it particularly difficult to come up against one Chelsea legend in particular, saying:
“The toughest opponents for me are the defenders who are tough in the way they play, where you can’t see a way through,”
“Paolo Maldini and John Terry are two of the toughest men I have met on the field.”
Terry one of the best defenders of his generation
Terry won it all at Chelsea, playing a major role in the Blues winning five Premier League titles, five FA Cups, three EFL Cups, the 2011-12 Champions League and the 2012-13 Europa League.
Consequently, Ronaldinho is far from the only person who holds the 78-cap former England international in very high regard, with ex-Chelsea boss Mourinho once saying: “For me he is the best. I know Sir Alex would say Ferdinand. I know Ancelotti will say [Alessandro] Nesta. For me it’s John Terry.
“He’s absolutely amazing. I saw him play in the national team, so not just with us where is the skipper and has other responsibilities, and the level is the same. For me he’s the most complete central defender.”
Not only was the Englishman a “complete” centre-back, but he was also a real threat going forward, scoring 41 Premier League goals, the highest number of any defender in the history of the competition.
The former Chelsea captain is undoubtedly one of the Premier League’s greatest-ever players, which has now been recognised, having been inducted into the Hall of Fame back in 2024.