In the world of soccer, clashes between managers and players are not uncommon. Tempers can flare on the pitch, tensions can rise, and occasionally, heated disagreements spill over into the public eye.
One such incident that caused shockwaves in the soccer world occurred in 2013 when Jose Mourinho, the fiery Portuguese coach, and Cristiano Ronaldo, the iconic Real Madrid striker, had a dramatic falling out during a Copa del Rey match.
The Santiago Bernabeu, home to Real Madrid, has witnessed some of soccer’s biggest personalities, but none more significant than Jose Mourinho and Cristiano Ronaldo. In 2013, during a period when Mourinho was considered one of the world’s top managers and Ronaldo the best player, tensions flared in the Real Madrid dressing room following a victory over Valencia. The catalyst for the clash was Ronaldo’s quick throw-in.
The confrontation that shattered Cristiano Ronaldo and Jose Mourinho’s relationship
Mourinho made his dissatisfaction clear, both from the touchline and in the post-match discussion with the iconic number seven. Following Ronaldo’s throw, it proved difficult for Mesut Ozil to control, and given the timing just before full-time, it jeopardized the result.
Unhappy with Mourinho’s criticism, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner fired back, exclaiming, “After everything I’ve done for you, this is how you treat me? How dare you say that to me!”
The team sat in stunned silence as Mourinho responded, explaining, “I was saying it for the team because the team needed you to track back.”
In a heated exchange, Mourinho confronted Ronaldo publicly, stating, “Just so you know, many think like me here, but they don’t dare say it. They don’t have the courage to tell you.”
Luka Modric, who joined Real Madrid in 2012, once revealed the extent of the confrontation, saying, “The two of them fought for a long time on the field. When we returned to the locker room at halftime, I saw Ronaldo desperate, on the verge of tears.”
“He said, ‘I do my best, and he continues to criticize me.’ Mourinho entered and began criticizing the Portuguese for his performance during the game. It escalated to the point where only the intervention of their teammates prevented an actual physical altercation.”
José Mourinho:
🗣️ “He is the best in the world, yes. I saw Maradona a couple of times. I never saw Pele. But Cristiano is amazing. He is like Zidane; there will never be another Ronaldo.”
“If Lionel Messi is the best on the planet, Cristiano Ronaldo is the best in the universe” pic.twitter.com/2RDvDl3I1N
— ℓυκιτα^😈 (@PrincipalOfBall) June 27, 2023
The fallout from the clash irreparably damaged the relationship between Ronaldo and Mourinho. However, the awkwardness did not last long, as Mourinho left Real Madrid just a few months later.
As time passed, the incident gradually faded from the headlines, and both individuals moved on to new chapters in their careers. Ronaldo continued to shine on the pitch. Mourinho, meanwhile, moved on to manage other top clubs, experiencing both triumphs and setbacks along the way.