A day ago
Paulo Dybala told Cristiano Ronaldo that he hated him to his face.
Argentine football star Paulo Dybala has had the rare opportunity to share the pitch with two of the greatest players in football history, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Known for his versatility and flair, Dybala’s experiences with these icons have shaped his career in profound ways.
However, his journey with Ronaldo at Juventus began with an unexpected and brutally honest confession. Reflecting on their time together, Dybala revealed that he once harbored a deep dislike for the Portuguese superstar—a sentiment born out of Argentina’s intense Messi-Ronaldo rivalry.
The confession came early in their time as teammates, during a candid conversation on a team flight. There’s a big rivalry between Messi and Ronaldo in Argentina, Dybala explained. Once, we were flying out for a game, and I was sitting at the back of the plane while he was slightly ahead. At some point, he came over to me, and we started talking about life in general. That’s when I told him, As a kid, I practically hated you.
Rather than taking offense, Ronaldo laughed it off, and the conversation became a foundation for mutual respect and camaraderie. We laughed about it, and from that moment on, we’ve always been on good terms, Dybala said.
During their three successful years together at Juventus, Dybala and Ronaldo formed a strong bond both on and off the pitch. Their partnership contributed to Juventus securing two Serie A titles and a Coppa Italia, with both players demonstrating their unique skills and competitive drive.
Dybala, reflecting on their time together, praised Ronaldo’s professionalism and unmatched hunger for success. Ronaldo is a champion, Dybala remarked. Playing with him at Juventus was wonderful. I learned so much from him—particularly about dedication to my profession and the relentless desire to win, despite everything he had already achieved.
Ronaldo’s influence extended beyond their performances on the field. For Dybala, it was an opportunity to witness firsthand the mindset of one of football’s greatest players. Ronaldo’s work ethic, focus, and commitment to excellence left a lasting impression, helping Dybala to elevate his own game.
Despite their different personalities and the rivalry that initially defined their relationship, Dybala and Ronaldo showed how mutual respect and shared goals can transcend any differences. Their story is a testament to the transformative power of teamwork and the lessons learned from competing alongside the very best.
Ultimately, Dybala’s time with Ronaldo not only enriched his career but also highlighted the humanity behind football’s greatest rivalries—a moment of connection that neither player will likely forget.
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