"He is the absolute number one, as a footballer and as a person," Goal.com quoted Benatia as saying.
Benatia bid farewell to Juventus in January 2019 and now plays for Qatar Stars League club Al-Duhail.
Praising the 35-year-old, Benatia said Ronaldo's brain is 'always faster than anybody else'.
"He is very intelligent, even off the pitch. His brain is always faster than anybody else. I am happy to be his friend. I always wish him the best," he said.
( With inputs from ANI )