 |
|
September 26, 2025
Former Manchester United and England forward Wayne Rooney has dispelled the notion that he does not like Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, despite multiple rumors about this topic...
The pair played together at United for five years between 2004 and 2009, helping the club win three Premier League titles and a Champions League during that period. However, the two players clashed during the 2006 World Cup when Ronaldo played a pivotal role in Rooney’s dismissal in a quarter-final tie. England went into that game as one of the favourites with Betway to win the World Cup, but they were ultimately eliminated by Portugal after a penalty shoot-out. There was widespread speculation about the pair’s relationship in the aftermath of the tournament, and the rumours have continued since then.
Cristiano Ronaldo - Duo with Rooney
Rooney’s views on the eternal debate about whether Lionel Messi or Ronaldo is the better player threw further fuel onto the fire.
However, in an in-depth interview on the ‘Rio Ferdinand Presents’ podcast, Rooney refuted the idea that there was any friction between the pair.
"People think I hate him," Rooney said. "I love him. I think he's an absolute genius and what he's doing is incredible.
"I love Cristiano and playing with him. I don't think people realise actually how close me and him were. I think just because I've said that I think Messi is better than Ronaldo, people think I don't like Cristiano.
"I absolutely love Messi, love watching him play and that was the only reason because I think Messi had a little bit more in terms of how he played and taking players on and whatever.
"Ronaldo's a killer and people think because I've said Messi is better than Ronaldo, I don't like him or speak down on him."
Having played alongside Ronaldo for five years and lost two Champions League finals against the Argentinian playmaker, Rooney is well-placed to comment on their respective merits.
While the former United star believes it is almost impossible to separate them, he admits that he finds it difficult to resist the panache that Messi brings to the table.
The 38-year-old has continued to shine since joining Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS), and is on course to represent Argentina at the World Cup next summer.
Messi scored twice as Miami thrashed New York City FC 4-0 in midweek to reach the MLS play-offs, further highlighting his ability to be a difference maker.
Ronaldo has also shown no signs of slowing down in the Saudi Pro League (SPL), helping Al-Nassr storm to the top of the standings during the early part of the 2025/26 season.
Rooney believes the ongoing debates about the two superstars are an exercise in futility, and is in awe of what they are continuing to achieve in professional football.
"This person might prefer Messi or Ronaldo, but no, I don't think you can argue with any of them two," Rooney added. "But then I think people think, 'Oh, Wayne said Messi's better than Ronaldo.'
"I get asked it all the time. I'm like 'come on’. The two of the best players ever, well, they are the two, in my opinion, the two best players to have played the game. And I just like the little flair about Messi and that's it.
"Ronaldo? Cristiano is an absolute genius on what he's doing. He's just turned 40. What he's doing is incredible and I take my hat off to him. I couldn't speak a bad word about him."
Cristiano Ronaldo next game for Al Nassr is on October 1, against Al Zawra, for the the Champions League Two. You can watch Al Zawra vs Al Nassr, Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid, Crystal Palace vs Liverpool, Brentford vs Manchester United, Chelsea vs Brighton and Manchester City vs Burnley, all matches provided from our football live game pages.
Al Nassr next game:
Al Zawra vs Al Nassr kick-off time (01-10-2025):
Beijing (China) | UTC/GMT+7: 02:00
India (New Delhi) | UTC/GMT+4.30: 23:30
Saudi Arabia (Riyadh) | UTC/GMT+2: 21:00
Spain (Madrid) | UTC/GMT+1: 20:00
Portugal and England (Lisbon/London) | UTC/GMT+0: 19:00
Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) | UTC/GMT-3: 16:00
New York (United States) | UTC/GMT-4: 15:00
Los Angeles (United States) | UTC/GMT-7: 12:00
Sources: ronaldo7.net / youtube.com
