began in 2009 with a 90-million Euro transfer from Manchester United and he quickly established himself as one of Los Merengues'
began in 2009 with a 90-million Euro transfer from Manchester
United and he quickly established himself as one of Los Merengues' most important players. During his time at the club, Ronaldo became an iconic figure for both the club and its fans. His ten years at Real Madrid saw him accomplish a remarkable number of successes in both domestic and international competitions.
One of the first people Ronaldo interacted with at Real Madrid was José Mourinho, who served as the club's coach from 2010 until 2013. The two had a complicated and often strained relationship, with Mourinho at times ensuring Ronaldo's focus was firmly placed on the team rather than individual accomplishments. Despite their issues, Mourinho helped Ronaldo to become a more complete player, achieving several accolades, including two Ballon d'Or awards.
Throughout his stint at Real Madrid, Cristiano Ronaldo has also been embroiled in one of the greatest rivalries in football history: his heated battle with Lionel Messi for supremacy. Both players are deserving of praise for their remarkable achievements, but it is ultimately Ronaldo who came out on top at the Santiago Bernabéu. Over the course of his 10 year stay, he managed to more than triple Messi's goalscoring totals—an impressive feat that will likely remain unmatched for many years to come.
Ronaldo's time in Madrid was marked by an unprecedented level of success in the Champions League. Real Madrid won the tournament four times while Ronaldo was with the club, including a record-breaking three consecutive wins from 2016-2018. During the 2018 final against Liverpool he scored a sensational bicycle kick that will go down in history as one of the greatest goals ever scored in Champions League competition.
At the end of 2018, after ten unforgettable years, Cristiano Ronaldo departed Real Madrid for Juventus, but his legacy at the club will live on for many years to come. His record-breaking achievements, rivalry with Messi, and incredible Champions League successes will surely be remembered as some of the greatest accomplishments of any player in football history.
Although the Bernabéu has said goodbye to its iconic star, his memory will live on in the hearts of all Real Madrid fans. And while the team may struggle to find a player capable of replacing Ronaldo, they will always have the memories of a ten-year period where no other player could come close to matching his achievements.
Ronaldo's time in Madrid will also be a statement of the player's brilliance, showing all future footballers that anything is possible when you have the skill and dedication to achieve it. In his own words: “I’ve done my part and I trust in the abilities of all footballers to do the same. That’s why I think that football is so beautiful.”
For those who witnessed Ronaldo's brilliance during his Real Madrid career, it will remain an unforgettable period in football history. It was a decade of accomplishment and triumph that will be looked back on fondly by all associated with the club. From his move to Madrid, to his rivalry with Messi, to his multiple Ballon d'Or awards and, of course, his Champions League success, Cristiano Ronaldo left an indelible mark on the history of Los Merengues.
