Ronaldo Reveals His Best and Worst Teammate in His Career
In a recent talk on Romario's YouTube channel, Ronaldo Nazário, the legendary Brazilian footballer, shared anecdotes and memories about some of the teammates he played with throughout his successful career. During the second episode of the podcast "De cara com o cara," the former player took some time to reflect on the great names who accompanied him at clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, and the Brazilian national team.
One of the highlights of the conversation was when Ronaldo revealed who he considers his best teammate. Without a doubt, the chosen one was Zinedine Zidane. The Phenomenon did not hold back in praising the former French midfielder, whom he described as a player from another level. "He played at a completely different level, very technical, with great ease in ball control... My God, what class!" Ronaldo expressed, highlighting Zidane’s incredible ability to lead the game on the field. For the former Real Madrid player, Zidane was not only a great footballer but also brought a tremendous presence and elegance to the team.

However, the conversation wasn’t just about compliments. In a humorous tone, Ronaldo also shared his opinion on who he considers his worst teammate, Thomas Gravesen, who played with him at Real Madrid during the 2005-2006 season. The Danish midfielder was known for his toughness in duels but also for his lack of technical skill with the ball. Ronaldo was blunt, calling him "a real disaster." “A very nice guy, but as a footballer, he was terrible. His only skill was hitting the ball hard, nothing more,” said Ronaldo, who didn’t hesitate to express his opinion about the Danish player in a straightforward manner.
Gravesen and Ronaldo: A Relationship of Contrasts
The contrast between Zidane and Gravesen couldn’t be more pronounced. While the former was a world-class figure, the latter was seen as a player with little elegance on the field. According to Ronaldo, Gravesen had a powerful shot, but his lack of vision and technical quality kept him from reaching the highest standards. Despite this, Ronaldo also emphasized that Gravesen was an excellent teammate off the field, a nice guy to share the locker room with.
In addition to comments about his teammates, Ronaldo shared some more anecdotes from his time in the locker rooms of major clubs. He remembered moments of camaraderie with figures like Romario, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, and Neymar, who, according to him, had a similar experience at FC Barcelona, always leaving in less-than-ideal ways. Although these players were crucial to the team's success, Ronaldo couldn't help but lament how their stories with the club ended.
Ronaldo also made it clear that, despite any differences he may have had with some teammates, he always valued collective effort above all else. “Football is a team sport. If you don’t have your teammates, you get nowhere,” reflected the former player, who was known for his leadership and vision on the field.
Ronaldo’s Legacy: From Teammate to Icon
Since his retirement in 2011, Ronaldo continues to be a key figure in Brazilian and global football. His legacy goes beyond his ability to score goals, as he has always been a role model for new generations of footballers. Today, his involvement in projects like Romario's channel and his work as an ambassador for various causes show that he still influences football, not only from the field but also as a mentor and guide for young talents.
With these statements about Zidane and Gravesen, Ronaldo continues to prove that, although his career has come to an end, his voice remains one of the most respected in the world of football. His opinions about the players he shared a locker room with will continue to be a topic of conversation among fans and sports experts.