Zlatan Ibrahimovic Says Cristiano Ronaldo Owes His Career Success to Wayne Rooney
Zlatan Ibrahimovic once stated that Cristiano Ronaldo's remarkable career was heavily influenced by an English legend and Manchester United icon. According to the Swedish striker, Ronaldo’s success was not just about his own talent but also thanks to the hard work of Wayne Rooney.
Ronaldo's Journey from Sporting Lisbon to Global Stardom
Cristiano Ronaldo began his professional journey at Sporting Lisbon, but his global breakthrough came after joining Manchester United. At Old Trafford, Ronaldo dazzled as a winger, winning three Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy before transferring to Real Madrid.
In Spain, Ronaldo reached unprecedented heights, netting a record 450 goals in 438 appearances and adding four more Champions League wins along with two La Liga titles. Even now, at 41, he continues scoring goals at Juventus and Al-Nassr. With 146 goals in 234 games for Portugal, he holds the record for most international goals by a male player.
Ibrahimovic Highlights Rooney's Sacrifices for Ronaldo
Back in 2015, Ibrahimovic expressed his view that Ronaldo's brilliance was built on Rooney’s selflessness. He said:
"When Cristiano Ronaldo played at United, Rooney did all the work but Cristiano took all the glory. He was the one who was getting the goals. Rooney ran, fought and made far more of a team sacrifice than the player from Madeira."
He added that if he couldn’t play alongside Rooney, he would just watch him on TV because Rooney had an extraordinary run of form lasting five years, which is unusual even for great players.
Ibrahimovic’s Time at Manchester United and Rooney’s Departure
Ibrahimovic joined Manchester United in 2016, winning both the League Cup and Europa League in his first season while playing alongside Rooney. During his stay, he scored 29 goals and provided 10 assists in 53 matches before leaving in 2018.
The Swedish striker repeatedly praised Rooney, calling him a fantastic footballer who worked tirelessly for his teammates. In 2013, Zlatan said:
"He is the player who helps his partner score lots of goals because he is working for one, two and maybe three other players. It seems like he has a strong mentality to win - like me he doesn't like to lose."
After their time together, Ibrahimovic described Rooney as the perfect player whose impact was undeniable.
Interestingly, Ibrahimovic’s arrival indirectly contributed to Rooney’s exit. Rooney later revealed:
"The hardest thing for a player is to understand you may be not at the level you were. I did it when Zlatan Ibrahimovic came in and I wasn't playing. I wanted to play so I left straight away. I accepted it."
Rooney left the club in 2017, having scored 253 goals and becoming the only player in the Premier League to have both 200 goals and 100 assists. Clearly, Ibrahimovic admired the dedication and impact of Rooney during his career.
- Ronaldo's Manchester United Titles: 3 Premier Leagues, 1 Champions League
- Ronaldo's Real Madrid Record: 450 goals in 438 games, 4 Champions League titles, 2 La Liga titles
- Ronaldo's International Record: 146 goals in 234 games for Portugal
- Ibrahimovic at Manchester United: 29 goals, 10 assists in 53 games, League Cup and Europa League winner
- Wayne Rooney's Manchester United Record: 253 goals, only player with 200+ goals and 100+ assists in Premier League
