Alvaro Gonzalez Reveals Cristiano Ronaldo’s True Nature Away from the Spotlight

Former Al-Nassr defender Alvaro Gonzalez has opened up about what Cristiano Ronaldo is really like away from the cameras during their time together at the Saudi club. The Spaniard described Ronaldo as approachable and supportive off the pitch but revealed a fierce competitive side when the game starts.

Behind the Scenes with Ronaldo

Gonzalez highlighted the contrast between Ronaldo’s behavior in the dressing room and on the field. He said that since arriving in Riyadh, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner stayed humble and always backed his teammates. This genuine connection left a strong impression on everyone during their spell at Al-Nassr.

“Honestly, and after confirming it with other team-mates we’ve had in common, he’s absolutely fantastic inside the dressing room,” Gonzalez shared on Radio MARCA.

He added, “Inside the dressing room, he’s a completely normal person, approachable and someone who helps you. However, that demeanor changes instantly when kick-off arrives: from the moment he leaves the dressing room and steps onto the pitch, he completely changes. He’s a competitive beast.”

Intense Rivalry and Respect

The tenacity Ronaldo shows in training was evident to Gonzalez, who often engaged in physical duels with him. Despite the intensity, their clashes never affected their camaraderie. After sessions, they would relax together, joking and laughing, leaving any competition aside.

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

The defender also acknowledged Ronaldo’s place alongside Lionel Messi in football history, saying:

“People like him and [Lionel] Messi will go down in the history of football.”

Ronaldo's Ongoing Quest

The two players shared the pitch in 11 games during the 2022-23 season, achieving six wins before Gonzalez moved on. Now 41, Ronaldo remains contracted to Al-Nassr until June 2027 and is chasing an extraordinary milestone of 1,000 official goals. With 978 goals in 1,333 appearances so far, his relentless ambition continues to drive him as he leads the team in both domestic and continental competitions.

• Matches Together (2022-23): 11
• Victories: 6
• Ronaldo’s Age: 41
• Contract Until: June 2027
• Goals Scored: 978 in 1,333 appearances

Upcoming Fixture

• League: Saudi Pro League
• Fixture: Al Ittihad vs Al Nassr FC
• Date: 5 September 2026
• Time: 20:00