Toni Kroos and Marcelo choose between Cristiano Ronaldo and Vinicius when picking best Real Madrid XI from prime and current team

Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos and Marcelo have picked Cristiano Ronaldo over Vinicius Jr when asked to pick between the current side and their prime squad. The Gemrna added that Vinicus Jr would also pick the Portuguese superstar over himself, if asked.

In a TikTok video, Maresca said that the prime of his teammates at Real Madrid was better than the current side. He admitted that it was difficult to compare Vinicius Jr and Ronaldo, but backed the former Manchester United forward and said (via Madrid Xtra):

“Vinicius is incredible, but prime vs prime, our prime was something else. It's difficult to compare them. Cristiano is above everyone.”

Kroos was also asked to make his pick, and the German went in the same direction. He said that the current Real Madrid star would also pick Ronaldo and said:

“Even Vini would pick Cristiano.”

Cristiano Ronaldo spent nine seasons at Real Madrid, scoring 450 goals and assisting 131 times in his 438 games. He won the UEFA Champions League four times with Los Blancos, while lifting the Copa Del Rey, La Liga, and UEFA Super Cup twice.

Vinicius Jr has been with Real Madrid since 2018, winning the league title three times and the UEFA Champions League twice. He has played 340 matches for Los Blancos, scoring 111 goals and assisting 89 times.

Vinicius Jr wants 'Cristiano Ronaldo contract' to stay at Real Madrid

Vinicius Jr is reportedly refusing to sign a new contract at Real Madrid, demanding wages in line with Cristiano Ronaldo's final contract at the club. According to The Athletic, Los Blancos have offered £17.5 million per season to the Brazilian, but his entourage wants £26 million.

Ronaldo spoke about Vinicius Jr after the winger came second in the 2024 Ballon d'Or and said (via ESPN):

"In my opinion, he [Vinícius] deserved to win the golden ball [Ballon d'Or award]. It was unfair in my opinion. I say here in front of everybody. They give it to Rodri, he deserved it too, but they should have given it to Vinícius because he won the Champions League and scored in the final."

Vinicius Jr has 20 months left on his contract and has informed the club that he will not renew with Xabi Alonso at the helm unless their relationship improves. The Brazilian has been taken off in most games, with the manager letting the winger play the whole match just twice across all competitions this season.