Ronaldinho once claimed that four of England's golden generation would’ve been able to play for any team in world football during their peak. The Ballon d'Or-winning entertainer was undoubtedly one of the greatest of his generation, playing the game in a way that is so rarely seen in the modern day.
The Barcelona icon stood out above some of the absolute best, including Zinedine Zidane and Thierry Henry. However, he saved special praise for a quartet of Three Lions stars, singling out one in particular who he believed would’ve improved every single national team on the planet — including his own.
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Ronaldinho Singled Out Wayne Rooney For Special Praise
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Speaking to the Daily Mail, as per Stretty News, Ronaldinho claimed that Manchester United pairing Wayne Rooney and Paul Scholes, along with Chelsea's Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole, were four players the Brazilian admired, going as far as to say they would be able to make the starting XI in any team they wanted to:
"Paul Scholes, Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole, Wayne Rooney, all players who, at their peak, would have got into any team in the world."
While all four are among some of the finest talents the country has ever produced, the 2006 Champions League winner gave special mention to Rooney, adding: "Rooney is a player I like – there is not a national squad in the world he would not improve."
There was also another Old Trafford hero that Ronaldinho admitted to admiring as he began his budding career. That being the King of the Stretford End, Eric Cantona.
"I remember seeing Eric Cantona play for Manchester United," the playmaker explained. "The way he used to control games was special to watch."
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How Close Ronaldinho Was to Joining Man United
A deal was 48 hours away from being done
Ronaldinho playing for AC Milan at Fratton Park
Having spoken so positively about several United players, it is no surprise to hear that Ronaldinho actually came close to making the move to the club himself prior to signing for Barcelona. The Brazilian was earmarked as a potential replacement for David Beckham, and once revealed how close the switch was to happening.
"It was a matter of 48 hours, but Rosell had told me way before I got the offer: 'If I become Barca president, will you come?' I said yes.
"It was only a matter of details with United when Rosell called to say he was going to win the election there. And I had promised to him that I’d play for Barca."
All statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt - accurate as of 24/05/2025.