Inside Cristiano Ronaldo’s winning mentality, insights from Juventus legend Giorgio Chiellini

Italian football veteran Giorgio Chiellini reflected on his three-year partnership with Cristiano Ronaldo at Juventus from 2018 to 2021.

Chirag

April 2, 2024

Chiellini Full Of Praises For Cristiano Ronaldo — Daniele Badolato - Juventus FC/Juventus FC via Getty Images

The experienced Italian defender collaborated with CR7 for a span of three years in Turin from 2018 to 2021. During this period, the renowned Portuguese player scored 101 goals and secured five trophies, including two Serie A titles.

When prompted to describe what it’s like to collaborate with Ronaldo, Chiellini conveyed to FIFA’s official website: “Cristiano was a very demanding guy, who always wanted to win, and he managed to convey that to everyone. He wanted to score, break all the records and always win, which he continues to do even now. That’s Cristiano and he’s exactly as you see him. You can get to know people without experiencing them, but there were so many little things [with him] – like his dedication to small things everyday – that made it a privilege for me to have played with him for three years.”

Throughout his illustrious playing career, Chiellini encountered numerous legendary players both as teammates and opponents. When pressed to weigh in on the perennial debate between Ronaldo and Lionel Messi for the title of greatest of all time (GOAT), he remarked: “Among the exceptional individuals I’ve played with, Gianluigi Buffon and Ronaldo undoubtedly stand out. Buffon reigns supreme as the finest goalkeeper in football history, while Cristiano ranks among the top echelons, depending on one’s perspective – be it within the top two, three, four, or five in the annals of the sport. He unquestionably resides in football’s pantheon of greatness.

“The toughest ones I’ve faced are Messi and Ronaldo himself. A lot of people here ask me, ‘Who is better: Messi or Ronaldo?’, a bit like you might with LeBron James and Michael Jordan. I don’t see it as a competition, both are at the top. Obviously, out of affection, I’m closer to Cristiano, having played with him, but they’re both so strong that there can’t be a one and two.”

Chiellini encountered the Argentine sensation Messi in the MLS last season, witnessing the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner joining Inter Miami. However, the 39-year-old central defender chose to retire at the conclusion of the 2023 season, thereby relieving himself from the challenge of containing such superstar forwards.