When it comes to identifying the best striker on the planet, there are few more qualified people around than two-time Ballon d’Or and World Cup winner, Ronaldo Nazario.

The Brazilian icon is regarded as one of the finest number nines to ever grace the beautiful game, scoring 330 goals for the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid, PSV and the two Milan clubs.

He was present at the 2026 World Cup, where he watched some of the present generation’s brightest stars put on clinics on football’s biggest stage. Lionel Messi, Rodri, Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, Erling Haaland and many more big-name stars were at their very best.

Ronaldo Nazario Snubs Harry Kane as World’s Best Striker

England’s Harry Kane looks worried via REUTERS/Peter Cziborra

But it’s only right that R9, also known as The Phenomenon, was asked to give his thoughts on the best players in his position. Ahead of England’s Harry Kane and Erling Haaland of Norway going head-to-head in the quarter-finals of this year’s tournament, Ronaldo was asked to end the debate.

Both Kane and Haaland make strong cases to be named the best striker in world football right now after scoring 73 and 58 goals respectively for club and country in the past season. However, Ronaldo didn’t name either when giving his best striker.

Instead, he opted for the World Cup’s all-time leading goalscorer, Kylian Mbappe. The Frenchman was desperate to fire Les Bleus to the trophy once again, netting 10 goals along the way to claim the Golden Boot.

While he fell short of that aim and had to settle for fourth place, the 27-year-old was still one of the best performers in the competition, and still has a chance of winning the Ballon d’Or.

Asked about the best No.9 in the world, Ronaldo said: “I think Mbappe is doing amazing and he’s still very young. He’s playing with the number 10, but he’s a number nine.”

Mbappe ended the season trophyless for club and country, but still managed to score 42 goals in just 44 appearances in all competitions for Real Madrid.

​​​​​​​Mbappe vs Haaland vs Kane

IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Winslow Townson

While he picked out Mbappe as the best of the bunch, Ronaldo made sure to sing the praises of both Haaland and Kane too.

Discussing all three world-class forwards, he said: “I’m so happy to see players like them doing well with my characteristics of when I played. I’m just happy for them. Years ago, we were talking about how we miss number nines. No, we have three like this, it’s good for everyone.”

More specifically focusing on Kane vs Haaland, who were set to play in the game he was attending at the time, the Brazil icon added: “I’m so happy to see Harry Kane and Haaland. Number nines, original nines. I’m so happy to see them doing well.”

Statistics in this article are courtesy of Transfermarkt. Correct as of 28-07-26.

Manchester United are considering making a ‘surprise’ bid to sign one star as their third midfielder of the summer.

The Red Devils completed deals to sign Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa as they plan a major rebuild of the position during the transfer window, while goalkeeper Karl Darlow and young winger Tynan Thompson have also arrived.

But the club have not given up hope of making further additions to the squad before the window closes, as Michael Carrick looks to replace Casemiro and an injured Manuel Ugarte, which has led them to take a look at a number of targets.

Man Utd Consider Tyler Adams Bid

According to talkSPORT, Man Utd are now considering a bid to sign Bournemouth midfielder Tyler Adams.

Adams, who has been described as ‘incredible’, has been a long-term target at Old Trafford in recent transfer windows, with the club big fans of his defensive capabilities, and his stats standing out in their new data-led approach.

United have been heavily linked with a move for Real Madrid star Aurelien Tchouameni and Adams’ teammate Alex Scott, but both deals are currently proving too expensive, and the American is seen as a cheaper alternative to fill the role.

Reports had suggested that the 27-year-old could be allowed to leave the Vitality Stadium for around £35m, however, that has been dismissed by Bournemouth sources.

But Adams is still considered to be a genuine target at Old Trafford for the third midfielder role, and it’s understood that the club are considering making their interest more concrete with a formal offer.

Manu Kone, Eduardo Camavinga, and Fulham star Sander Berge also feature on the club’s shortlist of options, while Man Utd are also keeping an eye out for market opportunities to improve at left-back and also in attack, amid question marks over the futures of Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee.

Adams Would Be Underwhelming Arrival

Man Utd need a defensive midfielder to come into the squad and provide cover and competition for Santos, while Tielemans and Kobbie Mainoo look likely to be going into the campaign as the first-choice pairing behind Bruno Fernandes.

But while Adams fits the criteria of being a ball-winning midfielder who can cover ground well, it would be a hugely underwhelming signing, and wouldn’t polish off the rebuild too well.

He has his benefits, but considering the other options already available in the squad, and the players being linked with a move to Old Trafford at this stage, it’s hard to see how he would be the player the club would settle on as their final piece of the midfield jigsaw.

Inter Milan have agreed a deal to sign former Manchester City defender John Stones. Journalist Orazio Accomando has shared what this means for their pursuit of Tottenham defender Cristian Romero.

Stones is out of contract this summer, following his departure from Man City, and he’s now edging closer to completing his move.

A number of Premier League clubs were linked with a move to sign the England international, but it appears he’s opted to make the move to Italy this summer.

We could see a departure in the summer transfer window for Cristian Romero, with the Argentinian international seemingly available for transfer this summer.

Tottenham have already brought in both Jan-Paul van Hecke and Marcos Senesi to strengthen their centre back options, giving them an opportunity to offload one.

Inter make Romero decision

According to journalist Accomando, Stones will sign a two-year contract with Inter Milan.

The reporter adds that Stones isn’t considered an alternative to Tottenham defender Romero, who remains a target for the Italian club.

It appears Inter are planning a big overhaul of their defensive options, meaning both Stones and Romero could arrive this summer.

Inter often play a back three, so it’s no surprise that they are also interested in the Tottenham defender after securing the signature of Stones.

Tottenham can afford to cash in

Due to the signings of both Senesi and van Hecke during the summer transfer window, Tottenham can afford to cash in on a player like Romero.

The Argentinian international clearly wants to go and play European football next season with Spurs finishing in the bottom half of the Premier League for two campaigns on the bounce.

Tottenham will be without any European football, which could have an impact on whether players want to remain with the club heading into the new season.

If Romero wants to leave the club, then Tottenham can afford to cash in.