Former Real Madrid striker Ronaldo de Lima has named five most exciting footballers in the world.

He however surprisingly excluded one of the two biggest stars in world football Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo from the list of players he enjoys watching.

The Portugal international, now 34, has adapted his style over the years, swapping his trademark runs and skills for a more goal-focused approach.

Brazil legend Ronaldo knows more than a thing or two about attacking flair and he believes there are quite a few in the game who have more of it than the ageing Juventus forward, report the Daily Mail.

When asked which current players he most enjoys watching by Spanish outlet AS, he didn’t find room for his Portuguese namesake.

‘Messi, of course, he is No 1, it is a talent that we will take 20 or 30 years to see something similar.

‘I also like (Mohamed) Salah, (Eden) Hazard, Neymar, I love watching him play, and of course (Kylian) Mbappe.’

The Brazilian went on to elaborate on his choice of France and Paris Saint-Germain star Mbappe, whose speed and finishing has seen him draw comparisons to him.

‘He has a lot of speed, he finishes well, he has great movements, he hits excellent with both legs, he has an incredible stride.

‘We have similar things, but I never liked comparisons, especially between players of different generations, because the situations are different.’

Photo Credit: realmadrid.com