Diego Maradona says he "respects" Cristiano Ronaldo, but insists the Real Madrid star isn't the best in history.

Ronaldo is level with Lionel Messi in terms of Ballon d'Or wins, with five each, but Maradona believes the player still has work to do.

"Everybody has the right to say what they want and I don't think Cristiano Ronaldo is the best player in history," the Argentine said in an interview with Telesur.

"Not at all.

"But I do respect the career he is having.

"He has a long way to go from this point to the point where we talk about him as the best ever."