Cristiano Ronaldo has always been known for his unshakable confidence, not just in his abilities but also in his opinions. When it comes to football, he has seen it all and done it all, winning numerous trophies and accolades under several world-class coaches. Recently, the Portuguese superstar offered his perspective on the greatest managers in football history—a list that omitted two major names many might expect: Carlo Ancelotti and José Mourinho.
Ronaldo has enjoyed tremendous success under Ancelotti and Mourinho. Under Ancelotti, Ronaldo played some of the best football of his career, lifting multiple trophies with Real Madrid, including the coveted UEFA Champions League. Mourinho, another Portuguese tactician, also managed Ronaldo during his time at Real Madrid, where the two worked together to secure La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup.
Despite these significant collaborations, neither Ancelotti nor Mourinho made the cut when Ronaldo named the two best coaches in football history. Instead, he chose two other legends of the game, sparking intrigue about his reasons for leaving out such influential figures in his career.
A Surprising Choice
Cristiano Ronaldo’s two selections might not be immediately obvious to many football fans, especially those familiar with his time at Real Madrid. The first of his picks was Sir Alex Ferguson, a name that should come as no surprise given the deep bond the two shared during Ronaldo’s time at Manchester United. The second was Zinedine Zidane, the Frenchman who steered Ronaldo and Real Madrid to multiple Champions League titles in consecutive seasons.
Ronaldo’s reasoning for these choices goes beyond mere success on the pitch. Both Ferguson and Zidane played vital roles not just in his professional development but also in his personal growth. Ronaldo credits both men with molding him into the player and person he is today.
Sir Alex Ferguson: The Mentor
Sir Alex Ferguson was the manager who brought a young Cristiano Ronaldo to Manchester United from Sporting Lisbon in 2003. At the time, Ronaldo was just a teenager with raw talent, but Ferguson saw something special in him. Under Ferguson’s tutelage, Ronaldo blossomed into one of the most electrifying players in world football.
Ferguson was not just a coach but a father figure to Ronaldo. The Scotsman knew how to harness Ronaldo’s immense potential and guide him through his formative years in England. He allowed Ronaldo the freedom to express himself on the pitch, all while teaching him the importance of hard work, discipline, and tactical awareness.
Ronaldo often speaks fondly of Ferguson, praising his ability to manage egos and foster a winning mentality within the team. It was under Ferguson’s guidance that Ronaldo won his first Ballon d’Or in 2008, as well as three Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy.
The relationship between the two has remained strong over the years, even after Ronaldo left Manchester United for Real Madrid in 2009. Ronaldo has frequently referred to Ferguson as one of the most influential figures in his life, and it’s clear that the legendary manager’s impact on his career goes far beyond football.
Zinedine Zidane: The Leader
Zidane’s influence on Ronaldo came later in his career, during his second stint at Real Madrid. When Zidane took over as manager in 2016, many doubted whether the French legend could replicate his success as a player in the dugout. However, Zidane quickly proved his doubters wrong, leading Real Madrid to an unprecedented three consecutive Champions League titles from 2016 to 2018.
Ronaldo thrived under Zidane’s leadership, with the two forming a close working relationship based on mutual respect. Zidane knew how to manage Ronaldo’s workload, ensuring that he remained fresh for the most important moments of the season. This careful management allowed Ronaldo to perform at his peak in crucial matches, particularly in the latter stages of the Champions League.
What set Zidane apart, according to Ronaldo, was his calm demeanor and ability to connect with players on a personal level. Zidane, having been a world-class player himself, understood the pressures that Ronaldo faced and knew how to get the best out of him without overburdening him. Zidane’s cool, composed leadership style resonated with Ronaldo, who often referred to him as the perfect manager for Real Madrid during that period.
Together, they formed one of the most successful player-manager partnerships in recent history, with Ronaldo often expressing his admiration for Zidane’s footballing intelligence and leadership qualities.
Ancelotti and Mourinho: The Omissions
Given Ronaldo’s success under both Carlo Ancelotti and José Mourinho, their absence from his list of top coaches is notable. Ancelotti, in particular, was a beloved figure at Real Madrid, known for his player-friendly approach and tactical acumen. Under Ancelotti, Ronaldo played some of the best football of his career, including his famous 17-goal Champions League campaign in 2013-2014, which culminated in Real Madrid’s long-awaited La Décima.
Ancelotti was highly respected by Ronaldo and his teammates, but it seems that the bond Ronaldo formed with Ferguson and Zidane ran deeper. Perhaps it is the personal connection, rather than just the professional success, that played a role in Ronaldo’s decision.
As for Mourinho, Ronaldo has previously spoken of the respect he has for his compatriot, despite their well-documented differences. Mourinho’s time at Real Madrid was marked by both triumph and tension, with Ronaldo reportedly clashing with the fiery manager on several occasions. Despite these tensions, Ronaldo acknowledged Mourinho’s tactical genius and his ability to bring the best out of him during their time together.
However, it appears that Ronaldo values the emotional and psychological support he received from Ferguson and Zidane more than the tactical discipline instilled by Mourinho and Ancelotti. His selections seem to reflect not just footballing success but also the personal bonds that shaped his career.
The Importance of Relationships
Ronaldo’s choices reveal a lot about the importance of relationships in football. While trophies and accolades are often the measure of a coach’s success, the personal impact they have on their players can be just as significant. For Ronaldo, it’s clear that Ferguson and Zidane were more than just great tacticians; they were mentors who shaped his life both on and off the pitch.
In the end, Ronaldo’s picks for the greatest managers in football history highlight the importance of trust, respect, and personal connection between a player and his coach. While Ancelotti and Mourinho undoubtedly played significant roles in Ronaldo’s career, it is Ferguson and Zidane who left the deepest and most lasting impression on the Portuguese icon.
