Distinguishing between football’s two Ronaldos has been a problem since the emergence of Cristiano as one of the world’s greatest players.

Brazil’s Ronaldo won FIFA’s World Player of the Year three times before the age of 21 but was eventually surpassed by his Portuguese namesake.

In an Instagram interview with Italian World Cup winner Fabio Cannavaro, the Brazilian spoke about being referred to as the ‘real Ronaldo’.

He commented: ‘For Cristiano, it must be boring to hear that I am the real Ronaldo.

‘People cannot be compared. Cristiano will remain in football history for the goals and for the continuity he has achieved. He will remain one of the best, like Messi.’

The Brazilian won the World Cup in 1994 and 2002 and was runner-up in 1998.

In the latter tournament he was famously left out of the starting XI when the team sheets were handed in but eventually started the game after recovering from a mystery injury.

But his side were beaten by Zinedine Zidane’s France with Ronaldo unable to have a meaningful impact on the match.

Both Ronaldos have played for Real Madrid but Cristiano won more trophies including four Champions League titles.

The Portugal captain has managed to stay fairly injury-free during his glittering career, a fortune that did not come to Brazil’s Ronaldo who suffered from recurring knee problems.

The Juventus player shows no signs of slowing down at the age of 35 with 21 goals in 22 games in Serie A this season.