Before Cristiano Ronaldo became a Real Madrid legend, he had an intense encounter with a future teammate.
This moment occurred during an international friendly and started with a rough tackle that quickly escalated, ending with Ronaldo grabbing his opponent by the neck.
This incident took place before Ronaldo’s record-setting transfer to Real Madrid in 2009. The Portuguese forward was already a well-known figure, recognized for his passion and determination.
Most would not have predicted that the player on the receiving end of this confrontation would later become one of his closest teammates.
Photo by Shaun Botterill – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Marcelo feared that his fight with Cristiano Ronaldo marked the end of his Real Madrid career
This player was Marcelo, who later recounted the incident on La Revuelta (h/t Sports Illustrated).
“My relationship with Cristiano began with a fight. I kicked him; he was very fast. He passed by, elbowed me, and I kicked him, and then he grabbed me by the neck,” Marcelo recalled.
He continued, “I tried to fight back, but he was very tall. I got the news that Madrid would sign him in two months, and I thought, ‘Wow, I’m leaving.’”
The clash occurred during a friendly match between Brazil and Portugal and became quite personal. Marcelo initially believed that Ronaldo’s arrival would end his own time at Real Madrid.
However, this brief moment marked the beginning of a successful partnership at the club.
The connection between Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcelo at Real Madrid
Once they became teammates, their early conflict was forgotten. Ronaldo and Marcelo developed one of the most effective left-side combinations in football history.
Marcelo’s attacking skills complemented Ronaldo’s precise finishing, making Real Madrid’s left wing a consistent threat.
The duo played together in 332 matches, pairing up for 33 goals and securing four UEFA Champions League titles.
Off the pitch, their friendship strengthened over the seasons, built on mutual respect and shared goals.
What began as a tense encounter evolved into a memorable start to one of football’s legendary partnerships.
The neck grab that once signified conflict transformed into a part of Real Madrid’s story of teamwork and success.
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