Cristiano Ronaldo, the renowned Portuguese soccer star, recently opened up about his relationship with his children in a candid podcast appearance with his former Manchester United teammate Rio Ferdinand. The conversation delved into various topics, shedding light on Ronaldo’s personal life beyond his illustrious career on the field.
Ronaldo’s Bond with His Children
During the podcast, Ronaldo shared an anecdote about a disagreement he had with his eldest son, Cristiano Jr. He recounted a moment when they were playing padel together and got into a disagreement that led to a two-day silent treatment. Despite the conflict, Ronaldo expressed his joy at the competitive spirit displayed by his son, saying, “Even little Matteo is competitive, I like that. It shows that they have personality.”
The soccer icon went on to highlight the similarities he sees between himself and his children, emphasizing that his kids have inherited his competitive nature. Ronaldo stated, “Really, my kids are like me. I don’t teach them but they see my example, because when I lose or when I get mad, sometimes I cry. It depends on the moment. They’re kind of the same, so even with my kids I’m competing, I always want to win. I never give anything for free.”
Supporting Cristiano Jr.’s Soccer Aspirations
Despite his own success in the world of soccer, Ronaldo revealed that he strives to avoid putting undue pressure on his eldest son, who shares his passion for the sport. Cristiano Jr., who is currently part of the Al-Nassr youth academy where his father plays, aspires to follow in his father’s footsteps as a professional soccer player. Ronaldo acknowledged the challenges his son faces due to his famous lineage, saying, “Right now, Cristiano wants to be a soccer player, but I don’t put pressure on him. He’s 14 years old. He already has pressure on himself for being Cristiano’s son.”
The doting father expressed his desire for Cristiano Jr. to forge his own path, emphasizing the importance of allowing his son to make mistakes and learn from them. Ronaldo stated, “I want him to make his own mistakes but I do hope that in the future he can be a professional soccer player.” He also reassured Ferdinand that regardless of Cristiano Jr.’s career choices, he would always support his son. Ronaldo highlighted the challenges of parenting in the spotlight, noting, “We can’t pressure our kids because we’re famous. This generation… it’s difficult to tell them something and for them to do it. My kids will always see their father as an example, they see me every day doing what I do, at home, or at training or in a match. They see me work a lot.”
Nurturing a Strong Father-Child Relationship
Ronaldo’s candid revelations about his relationship with his children offer a glimpse into the complexities of balancing fame with fatherhood. The soccer star’s commitment to fostering a healthy bond with his kids while navigating the demands of his career serves as a testament to his dedication as a parent. By sharing his experiences and reflections on fatherhood, Ronaldo provides valuable insights into the challenges and joys of raising children in the public eye.
In conclusion, Cristiano Ronaldo’s openness about his relationship with his children sheds light on the intricacies of parenting as a public figure. His willingness to share personal anecdotes and insights offers a glimpse into the unique dynamics of fatherhood in the spotlight. Ronaldo’s emphasis on nurturing his children’s individuality and supporting their aspirations underscores the importance of fostering a strong bond with his kids amidst the pressures of fame and success.