Alvaro Gonzalez Shares What Cristiano Ronaldo Is Like Away from the Spotlight

During their time together at Al-Nassr, former teammate Alvaro Gonzalez revealed a side of Cristiano Ronaldo that fans rarely see. Away from the cameras, Ronaldo is approachable and supportive, showing humility despite his superstar status.

A Different Ronaldo in the Dressing Room

Gonzalez, a Spanish defender, spoke about the atmosphere inside the team during their stint in Saudi Arabia's top flight. He noted that Ronaldo consistently backed his teammates and was far from distant or arrogant. This warmth left a lasting impression on those around him.

"Honestly, and after confirming it with other team-mates we’ve had in common, he’s absolutely fantastic inside the dressing room," Gonzalez said on Radio MARCA. "Inside the dressing room, he’s a completely normal person, approachable and someone who helps you."

The Fierce Competitor on the Field

Despite his friendly nature off the field, Ronaldo undergoes a dramatic transformation once the match starts. According to Gonzalez, the forward turns into a relentless competitor, driven by an intense desire to win.

"From the moment he leaves the dressing room and steps onto the pitch, he completely changes. He’s a competitive beast," Gonzalez explained.

This fierce attitude also shows in training, where Gonzalez engaged in tough physical battles with Ronaldo. Yet, their rivalry never affected their camaraderie afterwards, as they would relax and joke together post-training.

"Afterwards, we’d go to the jacuzzi, have some laughs and joke around, and it would all be forgotten," Gonzalez recalled.

Ronaldo’s Place in Football History

Gonzalez acknowledged Ronaldo’s remarkable career alongside his famous rival, Lionel Messi. Both players are set to remain icons of the sport for generations.

"People like him and [Lionel] Messi will go down in the history of football," he said.

Recent Partnership and Ronaldo’s Ongoing Ambitions

During the 2022-23 season, Gonzalez and Ronaldo shared the pitch in 11 matches across all competitions, securing six wins before Gonzalez left the club. Ronaldo, now 41 and under contract with Al-Nassr until June 2027, continues chasing an extraordinary milestone: reaching 1,000 official goals. So far, he has scored 978 in 1,333 appearances.

His drive for success fuels his leadership role as he guides Al-Nassr in both domestic and international competitions.

• Match: Al Ittihad vs Al Nassr FC
• Date: 5 Sept 2026
• Time: 20:00
• Competition: Saudi Pro League