Fabio Capello (foto: Getty Images)
Legendary Italian coach Fabio Capello shared his insights on footballing genius during the Laureus Award ceremony, where the world's best athletes of 2023 were honored.
Serbian tennis player Novak Đoković was named the best male athlete, Spanish footballer Aitana Bonmati the best female athlete, and English football star Jude Bellingham received the award for most improved athlete.
At the event, Capello specifically addressed the topic of football talents, offering a noteworthy perspective on who qualifies as a genius and who does not.
"Lamine Yamal is an extremely interesting player, but he will never be a genius like Lionel Messi, Pele, or Diego Maradona. Those were geniuses. Cristiano Ronaldo is brilliant, has won many trophies and Ballon d'Ors, but he is not as great as Messi. He is not a genius. Speaking of geniuses, I forgot to mention another one who could also be described with that word – Ronaldo, the Phenomenon," Capello commented.