Cristiano Ronaldo talks Ancelotti, Courtois, Real Madrid – ‘They are now ahead of Barcelona’

Cristiano Ronaldo and Thibaut Courtois were the two star guests at the 2024 Globe Soccer event, which is being hosted at the Palm in Dubai.

Sitting on the podium alongside Courtois, Ronaldo offered his thoughts on his former club Real Madrid as well as former manager Carlo Ancelotti. He even had a message for Courtois.

Ronaldo on Real Madrid

First and foremost, Ronaldo heaped praised on Real Madrid, especially hailing the club’s track record in the UEFA Champions League.

“If you want to bet on a team in the Champions League, bet on Real Madrid,” said the Portuguese international, who is currently plying his trade for Al Nassr.

Ronaldo also highlighted the La Liga title race this season, adding, “People didn’t expect Real Madrid to be good at the beginning but they are now ahead of Barcelona.”

Ronaldo also talked about the Bernabeu, stating, “Teams are scared to play in the Bernabéu. It has a special aura.”

Ronaldo on Courtois and Ancelotti

Apart from sharing his thoughts on Real Madrid, Ronaldo had a message for his former manager Carlo Ancelotti as well.

The veteran forward hailed the Italian’s man-managing skills, stating, “Carlo Ancelotti is one of the best managers in man-management for me. The trophies are not a coincidence.“

Ronaldo even spoke to Courtois in jest, arguing that the Belgian should have become a striker.

“You should be a striker, you are very tall and would score alot of goals,” he told Courtois.

Although Courtois has been plying his trade for Real Madrid since 2018, he never got the chance to play with Ronaldo, who left the club in the same year.

Nevertheless, both players have something to look forward to. While Courtois will be excited about the prospects of his teammates Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr, Ronaldo has been nominated for the Best Men’s Player Award.