SUMMARY
- Cristiano Ronaldo's elite mentality has helped him become a world-class player.
- However, his childhood friends ridiculed the 5-time Ballon d'Or winner by calling him a 'Cry-Baby.
Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the most hardworking players in the world. The Portuguese forward has maintained his fitness levels intact and is still going strong in his career. Cristiano’s never-give-up attitude and zeal to keep winning more is perhaps the best explanation behind his career’s longevity. CR7 doesn’t use age as an excuse for a laidback attitude but rather leads his team on the battlefield from the front.
While Cristiano Ronaldo’s winning mentality has won him millions of fans across the globe, reportedly this attitude didn’t go well with his childhood. Due to his tantrums on the soccer pitch, CR7’s childhood friends called him a ‘crybaby’.
Cristiano Ronaldo nicknamed ‘cry-baby’ as kid – childhood team-mate pic.twitter.com/qthwCPQOws
— Press TV (@PressTV) March 28, 2017
The never-ending zeal of Cristiano Ronaldo for winning games was evident even when he was playing soccer in his hometown, Madeira. The Portuguese all-time top scorer never wanted to finish on the losing side and motivated his team to go for the win. But, when it didn’t happen, it made the former Real Madrid striker extremely as revealed by his childhood friend Ricardo Santos.
Ricardo also played alongside the 5-time Ballon d’Or winner for amateur team CF Andorinha. Interestingly, Cristiano Ronaldo’s father also used to work in the same club as a kit man. Ricardo said this about Ronaldo’s childhood days: Cry-baby, yes, because Ronaldo already loved to win like he loves today. And when he lost and when other kids didn’t pass the ball to him he used to cry.”
It is however key to note that this very winning mentality has helped Cristiano to become one of the greatest players of all time. CR7 has conquered every league that he has played in, all thanks to his elite mentality and extraterrestrial soccer abilities.
CR7’s elite winning mentality has helped him scale soccer heights
The Portuguese’s incredible performances on the world stage do not need an introduction. The 38-year-old has almost won it all with both club and country. In each of these victories, CR7 has been the talisman for his team scoring goals for fun. It must be a blessing for a coach to have a player like Cristiano Ronaldo in the team, who can be such a great motivator in the dressing room.
His teammates have summed up his elite mentality several times. These players have seen the Portuguese legend from close quarters and know what it takes to be a player of CR7’s stature.
Rio Ferdinand summed up Cristiano Ronaldo perfectly. The former Manchester United defender said (via GIVEMESPORT), “Ronaldo is just ridiculous. His desire to be the best was just relentless.
“I’ve never seen anything like it. Just a man possessed to get to the top and would do anything to get there.” According to the English defender, CR7’s strong mental strength has helped him to reach the position that he is in now.
“This is what he does! It’s illegal! Alien!”
We think @rioferdy5 enjoyed Cristiano Ronaldo’s goals against Atalanta tonight… 😂#UCLTONIGHT pic.twitter.com/8NlRaF4qWu
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 2, 2021
The love between Sir Alex Ferguson and the Al-Nassr captain is strange to none. The legendary United manager was the man who handed Cristiano his debut for ‘The Red Devils’. Sir Alex Ferguson is very fond of the Portuguese and never shies away from praising Cristiano.
Once asked his opinion on the famous CR7 V/S Lionel Messi debate, the Scottish manager said this (via Mirror), “People say who is the best player in the world? And plenty of people quite rightly say Messi – you can’t dispute that opinion,” explained Ferguson. “But Ronaldo could play for Millwall, Queens Park Rangers, Doncaster Rovers… Anyone, and score a hat-trick in a game.
“I’m not sure Messi could do it. Ronaldo’s got two feet, he’s quick, great in the air, he’s brave – Messi’s brave, of course. I think Messi’s a Barcelona player.”
Cristiano Ronaldo and Sir Alex Ferguson, a special bond ❤️ pic.twitter.com/fjneJ3jHQF
— GOAL (@goal) December 18, 2021
Even Roberto Martinez, the new manager of the Portugal National Soccer Team has publicly praised Cristiano. The Portuguese’s elite work ethic has left a mark on the Spanish Manager. He said (via Goal), “Cristiano Ronaldo is as hungry as an 18-year-old player. He is a role model, he always tries to be in the right position and is looking for the goal.”
It takes a lot of character and mental strength to be this hungry for goals when one is in the twilight of his career. Cristiano Ronaldo has exemplified his position as soccer’s most inspiring role model. The Portuguese would be in action for his club al-Nassr when it takes on Al-Ittihad in a Saudi Pro League on December 26, 2023.