Cristiano Ronaldo is “still the best player in the world”, says Christophe Galtier, with the Portuguese icon showing no sign of slowing down at 38.

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Portuguese superstar at the top of his gameSet to play on into his 40sRemains a match winner on any given dayWHAT HAPPENED?

The evergreen frontman put in another dazzling display during his latest outing for Al-Nassr, with a deadly double from the all-time great inspiring his Saudi Arabian employers to a thrilling 4-3 victory over Al Duhail in the AFC Champions League.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

That contest saw Ronaldo come up against the side now managed by former Paris Saint-Germain boss Galtier. The French tactician was unable to contain the obvious threat that CR7 poses, with an eye-catching performance delivered in front of guests such as FIFA president Gianni Infantino and MMA fighter Francis Ngannou.

WHAT THEY SAID

Galtier told reporters when offering his assessment of Ronaldo, who has already hinted at extending his remarkable playing careers into his 40s: “When you face Ronaldo, there isn't much you can do. He scored two beautiful goals. I'm at a loss for words to describe him. What he did is extraordinary for a 38-year-old. He's still the best player in the world.”

Getty/GOALWHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Galtier worked with Lionel Messi at PSG but would appear to favour Portuguese panache over Argentine magic, with Ronaldo having hit 20 goals through 19 appearances this season – while his eternal rival in the Ballon d’Or stakes has reached the end of his 2023 debut campaign at MLS side Inter Miami.