The long-standing debate over whether Valentino Rossi or Marc Marquez is the greatest MotoGP rider of all time has reignited with fresh arguments from pundits and insiders.
With nine world championships, Rossi still holds a slight edge over Marquez, who currently sits at eight. However, the Spanish rider’s dominant start to the 2025 season—winning the first four races—has made him the clear favorite to clinch his ninth title and potentially surpass Rossi’s career win total of 115.
TNT Sports’ Suzi Perry praised Marquez’s exceptional talent, calling him a “genius on a motorcycle” after his flawless performance in Argentina. She highlighted how his unique riding style allows him to extract the maximum potential from his machine, unlike anyone else in MotoGP history.
Former MotoGP champion Neil Hodgson echoed her sentiments, emphasizing the depth of today’s competition. He pointed out that over half of the 22-rider grid are world champions—six of whom have won multiple titles—making Marquez’s dominance even more remarkable.
“For Marc to stand out so much underlines what we are seeing,” Hodgson said. “For me, he’s the greatest rider I have ever seen—including Valentino Rossi.”
Michael Laverty added to Marquez’s case, describing him as “the fastest, most articulate, and aggressive” rider on the grid. He also highlighted Marquez’s resilience, noting that the Spaniard has bounced back from career-threatening injuries and navigated challenging machinery during his time at Honda.
At 32, Marquez has defied expectations by continuing to improve—a rarity among Spanish riders, who typically peak in their late 20s. His decision to leave Honda and join Ducati has only strengthened his legacy, with his return to dominance on a factory-spec machine in 2025 further solidifying his case.
Despite Marquez’s on-track brilliance, Rossi’s supporters argue that his influence on MotoGP extends far beyond statistics. Suzi Perry acknowledged this point, noting that Rossi “put [MotoGP] on the map when it wasn’t.”
Rossi’s charisma and mainstream appeal helped elevate MotoGP to global prominence. His rivalries, especially his fierce battles with Marquez, are etched into the sport’s history. Even in retirement, Rossi’s presence looms large through his VR46 team and his devoted fanbase.
While Marquez may surpass Rossi’s records, many argue that the Italian’s cultural and commercial impact cannot be matched.
Michael Laverty summed up the debate, suggesting that while Rossi’s fame is unmatched, Marquez’s sheer skill and resilience give him the edge as the greatest rider:
“You can’t argue with the stats of Marc—what he’s been through, and the level he’s at now, arguably his best.”
Even Uccio Salucci, Rossi’s longtime confidant and VR46 team boss, conceded that Marquez is likely to surpass Rossi’s record of 115 wins—a sign that the tides may be turning in the GOAT debate.
As the 2025 season unfolds, Marquez’s quest to equal Rossi’s nine world titles could be the defining chapter in their legendary rivalry. Whether greatness is defined by records or by cultural impact, the debate over MotoGP’s true GOAT remains as fierce as ever.
