Zinedine Zidane has backed Cristiano Ronaldo amid controversy over his Portugal camp departure, praising the veteran forward’s remarkable career and recalling his decisive role in Real Madrid’s historic three consecutive Champions League triumphs under Zidane.
Former Real Madrid manager and current France head coach Zinedine Zidane has expressed strong support for Cristiano Ronaldo amid the controversy surrounding the Portuguese forward’s recent departure from the national team camp. Zidane praised Ronaldo’s extraordinary career and said the veteran deserves to be recognised for his contribution to football.
Ronaldo has once again become the centre of attention after reportedly leaving Portugal’s camp ahead of the team’s Nations League fixtures following differences with the national team management. The development has raised fresh questions about the future of the 41-year-old forward at international level.
Amid the speculation, Zidane offered a strong defence of his former Real Madrid player. The French coach worked closely with Ronaldo during one of the most successful periods in the Spanish club’s history and credited the Portuguese star with helping him achieve major honours.
During Zidane’s first spell as Real Madrid head coach, the club produced an unprecedented run of three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles between 2016 and 2018. Ronaldo was a key figure in that remarkable European campaign, consistently delivering decisive performances and goals on the biggest stage.
Speaking at a press conference, Zidane made it clear that he has enormous respect for Ronaldo and his achievements.
“Cristiano Ronaldo made me win incredible trophies. Hats off to you, Cris. We must salute his great career the right way. I was lucky to have him with me. I have a lot of respect for all my players and especially for Cristiano,” Zidane said.
The comments come at a time when Ronaldo’s international future is again being discussed following the latest controversy surrounding his involvement with Portugal. Despite his advancing age, the forward remains one of the most prominent figures in international football and has continued to attract considerable attention whenever questions arise over his role with the national team.
Zidane’s relationship with Ronaldo was forged during a highly successful period at Real Madrid. The Frenchman took charge of the Spanish giants in 2016 and quickly established a winning team built around experienced stars and emerging talent. Ronaldo remained central to the team’s attacking strength, particularly in the Champions League.
The three successive European titles under Zidane represented one of the most remarkable achievements in modern club football. Ronaldo’s goals and performances were instrumental in Real Madrid’s dominance, strengthening his reputation as one of the greatest players in the history of the competition.
Zidane is now concentrating on a new chapter of his managerial career after taking charge of the France national team. His early results have provided encouragement, with France securing away victories against Turkey and Belgium while also drawing with Italy at home in Paris.
The former France captain has also spoken about the difference between managing a club and leading a national team. According to Zidane, club football demands continuous involvement, with coaches working every day throughout a long season. International management, by contrast, involves shorter periods with players and requires a different approach.
Zidane acknowledged that he enjoyed the intense daily routine of club management but said his commitment to getting the best out of his players has not changed.
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“Perhaps the difference is that at a club it never stops; it is day to day, it is very all-consuming. I loved doing that, and now I have another side to it, and I will try to do it this way, which will be a little different. But in any case, the desire to work well around my team is the same,” he said.
Zidane’s remarks underline the mutual respect that developed between the former Real Madrid coach and Ronaldo during their successful years together. While Ronaldo’s latest Portugal controversy has created uncertainty over his immediate international future, Zidane’s comments focus on the forward’s wider contribution and lasting legacy in football.
