7 Footballers Who HATE Ronaldo – And Why
Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the most iconic players in football history. Known for his incredible skills, determination, and charisma, he has millions of fans worldwide. However, not everyone shares that admiration. Over the years, several football legends have publicly expressed their dislike for the Portuguese superstar. Whether it’s because of on-field rivalry or personal grudges, these players have made it clear—they hate Ronaldo. Here are seven such players and their stories.
1. Fernando Torres
The UCL Semi-Final Clash
The rivalry between Fernando Torres and Cristiano Ronaldo reached its peak during the 2017 UEFA Champions League semi-final. Real Madrid faced Atlético Madrid, and Ronaldo was in top form. After scoring, Ronaldo taunted the Atlético fans, which Torres did not take lightly. The tension boiled over, and Torres confronted Ronaldo, calling him a “clown.” Ronaldo fired back with “go home, idiot.” The hostility between these two legends began long before, during their Premier League days, and it hasn’t cooled down since.
- Key Moment: The infamous shushing gesture from Ronaldo.
- Torres’ Reaction: Direct confrontation and verbal exchange.
2. Franck Ribéry
The 2013 Ballon d’Or Controversy
Franck Ribéry had a sensational 2013 season with Bayern Munich, winning the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and Champions League. Many believed Ribéry deserved the Ballon d’Or that year. However, Ronaldo’s stellar goal-scoring and crucial hat-trick in Portugal’s World Cup qualifier snatched the award away. Ribéry was livid, calling it an “injustice.” To this day, Ribéry still harbors resentment toward Ronaldo for “stealing” his one shot at the prestigious award.
- Key Moment: Ronaldo winning the 2013 Ballon d’Or over Ribéry.
- Ribéry’s Reaction: Outspoken dissatisfaction, calling it unfair.
3. Gerard Piqué
From Friends to Rivals
Gerard Piqué and Cristiano Ronaldo were once teammates at Manchester United, celebrating victories like the 2007-08 Premier League and 2006 League Cup together. But after Piqué’s move to Barcelona, the two became fierce rivals in the intense El Clásico matches. Piqué frequently mocked Ronaldo, always siding with Lionel Messi in the eternal Ronaldo-Messi debate. Despite their past friendship, Piqué never hesitated to criticize Ronaldo’s ego and antics on the pitch.
- Key Moment: Piqué choosing Messi over Ronaldo, repeatedly.
- Piqué’s Reaction: Frequent jabs at Ronaldo in interviews.
4. Xavi Hernández
A War of Words
Xavi, one of the greatest midfielders in history, spent much of his career battling Ronaldo’s Real Madrid. The rivalry was fierce, but Xavi’s dislike for Ronaldo extended beyond the field. He once stated that Ronaldo didn’t belong at Barcelona because of his flashy lifestyle, a stark contrast to the work ethic-driven ethos at Barça. Xavi even suggested Ronaldo lacked intelligence, prompting a biting comeback from Ronaldo, who dismissed Xavi’s opinion by pointing out his Ballon d’Or victories.
- Key Moment: Xavi questioning Ronaldo’s intelligence and style.
- Ronaldo’s Reaction: “What do I care what Xavi says?”
5. Koke
A Derbi Madrileño Feud
Few players have suffered as much as Koke when facing Cristiano Ronaldo. The Atlético Madrid captain was regularly on the losing end of Ronaldo’s brilliance, especially in Derbi Madrileño encounters. One heated moment came in 2016 when Koke insulted Ronaldo during a derby match, only for Ronaldo to retort, “I may be a [expletive], but a very rich one!” Ronaldo’s consistent dominance over Atlético left Koke fuming, cementing his dislike for the Portuguese star.
- Key Moment: Ronaldo’s hat-tricks against Atlético.
- Koke’s Reaction: Verbal insults during a 2016 derby.
6. Antoine Griezmann
Perennial Second Place
Antoine Griezmann has had a tough history with Cristiano Ronaldo, from missing a penalty in the 2016 Champions League final to losing the Euro 2016 final to Ronaldo’s Portugal. In a candid moment, Griezmann jokingly told Ronaldo, “I hate you,” after yet another defeat. Despite Griezmann’s immense talent, Ronaldo always seemed to stand in his way, which has understandably left the Frenchman frustrated.
- Key Moment: Missing a penalty in the 2016 UCL final.
- Griezmann’s Reaction: Jokingly admitting his frustration to Ronaldo.
7. Wayne Rooney
From Teammates to Rivals
Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo once formed a lethal partnership at Manchester United, but things changed over time. Their friendship began to crack after Ronaldo played a role in Rooney’s red card during the 2006 World Cup. Things further soured during Ronaldo’s return to Old Trafford, with Rooney publicly criticizing Ronaldo for being past his prime and a distraction to the team. In response, Ronaldo questioned Rooney’s motives, suggesting he was chasing headlines and relevance.
- Key Moment: Rooney criticizing Ronaldo after his Manchester United return.
- Ronaldo’s Reaction: A cutting response in a tell-all interview.
Conclusion
The Fine Line Between Love and Hate
Cristiano Ronaldo has earned respect and admiration from millions, but his intense competitiveness, unmatched success, and fiery personality have also made him enemies on and off the field. These seven players may be football legends in their own right, but their dislike for Ronaldo is rooted in deep rivalries, both personal and professional. Love him or hate him, Ronaldo remains one of the most polarizing figures