Cristiano Ronaldo opens up about Diogo Jota and President Trump
Cristiano Ronaldo has once again stepped into the global spotlight, this time in an emotional and revealing new interview with British journalist Piers Morgan.
The Portuguese star spoke candidly about fame, football, friendship, and the criticism that has followed him throughout his record-breaking career.
The discussion, broadcast on Piers Morgan Uncensored, covered everything from Ronaldo’s life in Saudi Arabia to his rivalry with Lionel Messi and his views on his own legacy.
A career beyond trophies
Ronaldo dismissed the idea that his greatness depends on winning the World Cup, telling Morgan that the tournament “will not define me at all.”
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“People say Cristiano would be the greatest if he wins the World Cup. I don’t agree,” he said. “I won three titles with Portugal already. We won nothing before those three titles.”
While he acknowledged that Portugal would fight to win the next tournament, he argued that one competition with six or seven games should not determine a player’s place in history.
Critics and comparisons
The 40-year-old forward, now playing for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, said he is not mad about Wayne Rooney’s claim that Messi is the better player. “When we used to play, we had a good relationship, but we’re not friends,” Ronaldo said calmly.
He added that he no longer cares about being called the best footballer of all time: “The story speaks for itself.”
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Asked about his own self-image, Ronaldo smiled and told Morgan, “I’m not normal… I’m perfecto!” joking that he considers himself more attractive than David Beckham.
Life in Saudi Arabia
Ronaldo defended the quality of the Saudi Pro League, arguing that people underestimate the level of competition. “When people talk about the Saudi League, they’ve never been here,” he said. “They don’t know what it means to run with 40 degrees.”
He believes the league deserves greater recognition, especially when it comes to global awards: “Why don’t they count the Saudi League goals for the Golden Boot? Why?”
Ronaldo went further, saying the Saudi competition is better than the Portuguese league and also better than Ligue 1 as it’s only PSG. He insisted that he would score the same number of goals if he were still playing in Europe, dismissing critics as making excuses. He explained it with, it’s more easy to score goals in Spain than in Saudi. He said other people in the Saudi league agree and if they were asked, they would say the same.
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Legacy and longevity
Ronaldo reflected on his physical condition, which remains exceptional even into his forties. At one point, Morgan humorously touched his abs and remarked that they felt like hitting granite.
Ronaldo explained that his body and form are the result of consistent discipline and mindset over years. “I scored more goals since turning 30 than before. You can always improve. Many players think they have to slow down after 30. Many people criticize me, but they don’t know nothing.”
Despite his long career, Ronaldo said he finds fame exhausting. “I think in the world, nobody’s more famous than me,” he said. “But, Piers, it’s boring, trust me.”
Loss and reflection
In a rare emotional moment, Ronaldo opened up about the death of Portugal teammate Diogo Jota. “I cried a lot… Diogo was one of us,” he said.
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He revealed two reasons for not attending the funeral: the chaos that follows him in public and the emotional burden of funerals since losing his father.
Politics and Trump
Ronaldo also surprised viewers by praising former U.S. President Donald Trump. “He’s one of the guys to change the world,” Ronaldo said, adding that he hopes to meet him one day. “We have something in common.”
He compared his global fame to political influence but emphasized that he prefers privacy.
A man of contradictions
Throughout the interview, Ronaldo balanced confidence with vulnerability, a superstar unshaken by criticism but still reflective about his journey.
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“I don’t care about being the greatest anymore. The numbers don’t lie.”
Even as he distances himself from the endless comparisons with Messi and the pressures of modern football, Ronaldo’s words reveal a man still striving for meaning beyond goals and glory.
Sources: Piers Morgan Uncensored, BBC Sport, Reuters, AP, Sky Sports.
