They don’t play in the same position: Fernando Santos on comparisons between Cristiano Ronaldo and Rafael Leao

Portugal FC head coach Fernando Santos has played down comparisons between Cristiano Ronaldo and Rafael Leao. There have been many claims that Leao could be Ronaldo’s successor for Portugal. However, Santos feels no one might be able to replace Ronaldo, not only for Portugal but also in the world.

Ronaldo has had a glorious career for Portugal as he has scored a total of 117 goals, which is the most for any active player and the most for any international player. The Portuguese captain had led the national team to glory in the 2016 Euro as had led from the front. This was Portugal’s first major trophy in major events.

Subsequently, Portugal went on to win the UEFA Nations League in 2019, which was the first edition of the tournament. Ronaldo has always played an instrumental role in the success of his team and he keeps churning out the goals for his club as well as the national team.

Furthermore, Ronaldo became the first player to complete 800 career goals when he scored a brace against Arsenal in 2021.

Santos feels AC Milan forward Rafael Leao can’t be deemed as Ronaldo’s successor.

He told Milan Reports, “Leao like Ronaldo? I don’t think that they play in the same position. So the word ‘successor’ or ‘heir’ seems too much to me. I don’t know how many goals Cristiano has scored, maybe a million… It is unlikely that anyone will be able to replace Ronaldo, not only in Portugal but in the world. And it’s not nice to make comparisons between him and Rafa.”

“Rafael must simply be Rafael, with his own characteristics and qualities. But, if he is here with us despite being just 21 years old, it means that he is the future of the national team and that the national team is counting on him.”

On the other hand, Portugal won their second game of the ongoing UEFA Nations League as they defeated the Czech Republic on Thursday by 2-0 at Estádio José Alvalade after Joao Cancelo and Goncalo Guedes scored for them. Portugal will next face Switzerland on Monday at 12:15 am IST.