Paulo Dybala has offered insight into Cristiano Ronaldo‘s surprising love of Argentinian culture.
During three seasons at Juventus, the Argentine attacker shared the locker room with the Portugal international, observing Ronaldo‘s playful personality and quirky habits, including a love for mate, a beverage famously enjoyed by the likes of Lionel Messi.
“He (Ronaldo) hung out with us,” Dybala told former Argentine rugby player Agustin Creevy on YouTube. “If there was a team meeting he came, he laughed his a** off.
“Outside, you could talk about anything. He drank mate. It was funny because he had a Peruvian thermos, and it was a bigger mate. I laughed my a** off and teased him.”
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s connection to Argentina goes beyond the drink; his partner, Georgina Rodriguez, hails from the country, and the pair reportedly met while the forward played for Real Madrid, strengthening his ties to the South American country.
Dybala, who also lined up alongside Messi for the national squad, has a rare perspective on both legends. The Juventus stint allowed him to study the Portugal icon up close, contrasting with his experiences on Argentina’s international stage.
In head-to-head clashes at the club level, the 41-year-old forward maintained a remarkable record against Barcelona while the Argentine icon was at the club. In 34 matches, he scored 20 goals and contributed three assists, mostly during his Real Madrid years from 2009-2018.
Ronaldo returns to Al Nassr after three-game Saudi Pro League boycott
Meanwhile Ronaldo returned to the Saudi club on Saturday following a three-game absence amid uncertainty about his role, scoring in the 18th minute to help secure a 2-0 win over Al-Fateh, proving his ongoing value to the squad.
At 41, the Portugal international striker had reportedly been displeased with the management of the team under the Public Investment Fund, prompting the Saudi Pro League to clarify that “no individual – however significant – determines decisions beyond their own club.”
The Saudi giants teased the veteran’s comeback on social media, posting the captain’s armband next to his shirt, symbolizing leadership, while the forward immediately showed his influence on the field despite prior tensions with officials.
Since joining Al-Nassr in December 2022 after leaving Manchester United, the Portuguese star became the highest-paid footballer in history at 177 million annually, although the club’s only major title with him has been the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup.
Sources suggest frustration also stems from former Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema‘s move to Al-Hilal, who sit atop the Saudi league. The transfer, along with the competitive gap, has contributed to the veteran’s dissatisfaction despite his personal achievements.
The global acclaim for the Portuguese international, alongside his competitive rivalry with Messi, continues to resonate worldwide. Dybala sees him as equally influential as the Argentine legend, and the 41-year-old’s performances keep fans captivated across continents.