A former Real Madrid star has hit out at what he feels is a growing lack of respect shown to Cristiano Ronaldo, insisting the club icon deserves better than the tone used around him in recent years.
The Madrid legend, who spent years at the Bernabéu and shared the dressing room with some of the club’s biggest names, said it is “disrespectful” to downplay Ronaldo’s place in the club’s modern history. In his view, criticism aimed at the Portugal captain sometimes crosses the line from debate into outright dismissal of what he achieved in Spain.
Ronaldo remains one of the most influential players Real Madrid have ever had. During his nine seasons in the Spanish capital, he became the club’s leading scorer and was central to an era defined by major trophies, including multiple Champions League titles. Yet as time has passed—and with Madrid enjoying success with a new generation—some voices have questioned how he should be remembered, particularly in comparison to more recent stars.
The former Madrid player pushed back strongly against that narrative, arguing that it is possible to celebrate today’s team without taking shots at Ronaldo. He said the forward’s record speaks for itself and that the standards he set helped transform the club’s expectations in Europe.
While Ronaldo’s career has since taken him from Madrid to Juventus, then back to Manchester United, and now to Saudi Arabia, he still attracts constant attention. His every performance, his goals, and even his celebrations remain a talking point, which the ex-Madrid figure suggested is part of the problem: the noise around Ronaldo often overwhelms the facts.
He also pointed to the way football discussions have shifted, with social media and TV debate shows amplifying extremes. In that environment, he feels Ronaldo is too often reduced to a punchline or a comparison tool, rather than being recognised as one of the sport’s defining players.
Ultimately, the message was clear: Ronaldo may no longer wear white, but his impact on Real Madrid’s recent golden period is not up for debate. The club has moved forward, but one of its greatest-ever forwards, the Madrid legend argued, should not be spoken about as though his legacy is optional.
