Arjen Robben names Lionel Messi as the greatest player in history: "He doesn't rely on tricks"

Arjen Robben, the legendary Dutch winger known for his iconic runs down the right flank and his unstoppable left foot, has made his choice clear when it comes to the greatest footballer of all time. In a recent interview, the former Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Chelsea star weighed in on the debate, dismissing flashy players who rely on tricks and flair.

Robben, who spent years competing against Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, shared his thoughts when asked about current stars like Neymar and Vinícius Jr, known for their skillful dribbling and showmanship. However, for Robben, true greatness lies beyond flashy moves.

"There are many players who are good at tricks, but when I talk to people about the greatest of all time, I always ask them: 'Does he do tricks?' The answer is no. Messi, of course, is someone who doesn't have tricks up his sleeve," Robben said. He further elaborated on what sets the Argentine apart: "He simply does everything fast—he has control, speed, and agility."

After an illustrious career that included over 600 professional matches, 250 goals, 160 assists, and 30 official titles, Robben has transitioned from dominating football pitches to excelling in long-distance running. The Dutchman, whose right-wing runs were once feared by defenders across Europe, now channels that energy into marathon running.

Since retiring from football after his final stint with Groningen—the club where he also began his career—Robben has embraced his passion for running. At 41 years old, he has successfully completed full marathons, including the renowned Rotterdam Marathon, where he clocked an impressive time of 2 hours, 58 minutes, and 33 seconds.

Reflecting on his achievement, Robben compared it to winning a football title: "I'm no longer an elite athlete, but I can tell you this: running a marathon under three hours feels like winning a football title. I can cross this off my list," he remarked proudly.