Barcelona forward Neymar, the current Brazil captain, has expressed a willingness to play in both the Copa America in the United States in June as well as the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro in August.
Former Barca and Real Madrid striker Ronaldo, who was part of the World Cup-winning squads in 1994 and 2002, said it was unfair to put Neymar in that position.
"This situation is very difficult for the player," he said. "I think it's cowardly that the player has to choose which competition he has to play in.
"What we see is that few care about the calendar as each time there are more games and more competitions. The players have fewer holidays.
"The best example is this situation, which is very bad for the player."
Ronaldo also won the Copa America in 1997 and 1999 and competed at the Atlanta Olympics in 1996, when Brazil won the bronze medal.
Ronaldo said: "I would opt to play at the Olympics. It's an old dream, something untold if Brazil were to win the gold medal at the Olympics in Rio.
"I don't know what the situation is like but, ideally, what would be marvellous is to always have Neymar."
Since making his senior debut with Brazil in 2010, Neymar has scored 46 goals in 69 appearances.
"We have a guarantee that is Neymar," Ronaldo said. "His presence is always very important.
"He is going through a great time at Barca and what we Brazilians hope is that he is able to repeat that success with the national team."
For now, Neymar is focusing on 2018 World Cup qualification, with Brazil hosting Uruguay on Friday in Recife and then playing away to Paraguay on Tuesday.
Asked about the game against Uruguay, Ronaldo said: "I think Brazil are favourites. I predict a 2-1 result for Brazil."
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