Former Real Madrid manager Fabio Capello has named the best players he coached during his managerial career, reigniting the long-standing debate over the greatest footballer he ever worked with.
Capello placed Brazilian legend Ronaldo Nazário firmly at the top of his list, without hesitation. The Italian coach, renowned for his strict discipline and high standards, spoke openly about the extraordinary talent of “Il Fenomeno,” ranking him above other legendary figures such as Marco van Basten.
“Ronaldo, the Brazilian. And after him, Van Basten—very close,” Capello said. “When I coached Ronaldo, he didn’t have injury problems, but he didn’t like to make sacrifices. He didn’t like losing weight; he enjoyed life. And I left him out at Real Madrid. But if you ask me who was the best, the answer is simple: Ronaldo, without a doubt.”
Capello explained that Ronaldo’s main issue was not training, but his physical condition. “At Real Madrid, he weighed 94 kilograms,” Capello revealed. “I asked him, ‘How much did you weigh when you won the World Cup in Japan in 2002?’ He replied, ‘84.’ I told him, ‘You can’t be 10 kilos heavier now, Ronnie.’”
Capello and Ronaldo worked together at Real Madrid during the 2006/07 season. Under the Italian manager, the Brazilian striker made 13 appearances for the Spanish giants and scored four goals.
