Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcelo share a strong bond of friendship that has spanned several years. However, the two Real Madrid legends nearly came to blows one day, and the Brazilian full-back has just recounted this anecdote.
The history of football is filled with unexpected moments and improbable friendships. Such is the case with Marcelo Vieira and Cristiano Ronaldo, two of the most iconic players of Real Madrid and their generation. Their shared journey has been marked by extraordinary success, but it almost didn’t begin.
Indeed, before becoming teammates and friends, the two stars almost came to blows during an international match between Brazil and Portugal in 2007. In a recent interview for the Podpah podcast, Marcelo revealed this lesser-known episode of his career. “We won 6-2, it was in 2007 or 2008. He was very strong. Since that time, he was very strong,” recalled the former Brazilian full-back. “In one play, he went to receive the ball and I pressed him to follow. He didn’t elbow me, he protected himself, but since I’m shorter than him, he hit me in the neck. I felt weird there.”
An improbable friendship born from rivalry
Frustrated by this inadvertent contact, Marcelo sought revenge in the next play. “If the other player went through and shot, it would be my fault. I thought to myself: ‘Well, I’m going to touch him from behind.’ I touched him, his leg started to turn, he fell, got up, and grabbed me by the neck (laughs). Luckily, nothing happened. If he had hit me there, forget it (laughs),” Marcelo recounted with humor.
That night in 2007, no one could have imagined that these two young players, one of whom almost strangled the other, would one day become inseparable teammates and friends. Football’s destiny had other plans. In 2009, Cristiano Ronaldo joined Real Madrid, the club where he reunited with Marcelo. Together, they formed a historic duo, winning 16 collective titles, including 4 Champions Leagues, and becoming legends of the Merengue club.
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