"We really have to pay tribute to his great career. I was lucky to have him with me, he helped me win many titles. I take my hat off to Cristiano! I always have enormous respect for those I lived with," Zinedine Zidane said through A Bola, in comments translated from Portuguese. It was a straight defence of Cristiano Ronaldo, not a sidestep. Zidane also said Ronaldo should be congratulated for an exceptional career.
Zidane's case for Ronaldo
The numbers from their time together at Real Madrid fit the tone of that praise. Ronaldo scored 112 goals and added 27 assists in 114 games under Zidane, and those seasons brought 11 trophies. The haul included three consecutive Champions Leagues and two LaLiga titles.
That is why Zidane's view carries weight. He is not talking about Ronaldo as a distant rival or a passing opponent, but as a player who helped deliver the biggest trophies of his Madrid spell. The Portuguese forward's output was also broader than finishing, which is easy to miss when the conversation only settles on goals.
Belgium, France and the next step
Zidane also turned to the immediate job with France. Speaking to Sky Sport Italia, in comments translated from Italian, he said: "There will be changes, that is certain. It is our fourth match in a row, we must not make reckless moves. Also, it is necessary to involve everyone."
France's match with Belgium was the fourth in a row for Zidane's squad, and he added: "Everyone is important in this team. That is what I want to convey to my players. I want to be able to count on everyone."
The Ronaldo praise was the headline, but the Belgium preview was there too. Zidane kept the focus on selection and workload, while the tribute to Ronaldo stayed personal. France's next public checkpoint is that Belgium meeting, with Zidane already making clear he expects changes.
Written by Sam Whitfield with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 3 outlets. How we work →
