Writers 
Zinedine Zidane has paid a glowing tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo, describing himself as fortunate to have coached the Portuguese superstar during their successful years together at Real Madrid.
Speaking ahead of France’s Nations League meeting with Belgium, Zidane was asked about Ronaldo and the attention surrounding the veteran forward’s current situation with the Portugal national team. Rather than focusing on the controversy, the France manager chose to highlight the extraordinary career and achievements of his former player.
“Chapeau, Cristiano Ronaldo,” Zidane said, using the French expression for “hats off” to salute the 41-year-old forward. He added that Ronaldo had helped him win incredible trophies during their time together at Real Madrid.
Zidane also stressed that Ronaldo deserves to have his career properly recognised, making it clear that his admiration goes beyond their professional relationship.
“Hats off to Cris. We must salute his great career the right way, as I consider myself lucky to have had him with me,” Zidane said, according to reports of his comments.
The Frenchman also explained that he has tremendous respect for every player he has coached, but admitted that his relationship with Ronaldo holds a special place.
“I have a lot of respect for all my players. But for sure, especially for Cristiano,” Zidane said.
Zidane and Ronaldo shared a hugely successful spell at Real Madrid, with the Frenchman initially working alongside the Portuguese star as a coach before becoming head coach in January 2016. Their partnership continued until Zidane left the club in 2018.
During that period, Real Madrid enjoyed one of the most successful runs in European football history. Ronaldo was a central figure in the team that won three consecutive Champions League titles between 2016 and 2018.
Ronaldo’s wider Real Madrid legacy is equally remarkable. According to the club’s official records, he scored 451 goals in 438 competitive appearances, making him Real Madrid’s all-time leading goalscorer. He also won four Champions League titles, two La Liga titles and numerous other trophies during his nine-year spell at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Zidane has previously spoken highly of Ronaldo’s mentality, praising the forward’s relentless desire to improve and his determination to remain at the highest level. UEFA also documented Zidane’s admiration for Ronaldo’s ambition and winning mentality during their time together.
The latest comments come at a time when Ronaldo’s international future has again become a major talking point. The Portugal captain recently left the national team camp amid tensions surrounding his situation, although the Portuguese Football Federation confirmed his departure while coach Jorge Jesus played down reports of a serious confrontation.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Ronaldo’s international future, Zidane’s message was clear: the Portuguese forward’s achievements deserve recognition. For a coach who shared some of the most successful years of his managerial career with Ronaldo, the praise represents another strong acknowledgement of the striker’s extraordinary contribution to football.
Ronaldo remains one of the most decorated and influential players of his generation, and Zidane’s latest comments underline the special respect that exists between two figures who helped create an unforgettable chapter in Real Madrid’s history.
