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Cristiano Ronaldo has been one of the best footballers in the world for a long time now. With his sheer determination to succeed, the Portuguese has achieved a lot in his career.
He is truly a role model for all the young footballers around the globe. Cristiano Ronaldo has proved that hard work and persistence from a young age is the mantra for long-term success.
Cristiano Ronaldo has played with talented youngsters
Pedri was announced as the winner of the 2021 Golden Boy award after his stunning performances for both Barcelona and Spain this calendar year. It is a superb achievement for the youngster given the challenges, especially with the hectic schedule due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
While Cristiano Ronaldo was unlucky not to win the Golden Boy award, some of the previous winners have been fortunate to play with the Portugal captain.
On that note, let's rank five of the greatest Golden Boy winners who were team-mates with Cristiano Ronaldo at some point:
#5 Joao Felix (Atletico Madrid)
Joao Felix started his career in his home country Portugal. He came through the ranks at Benfica and ended up becoming a massive player for them.
His first and only senior season with them in the 2018-19 season saw Felix score 15 goals and record seven assists in the Primeira Liga at the age of 19. He was also a part of the Portugal national team that won the UEFA Nations League in the 2018-19 season. This helped him comfortably win the 2019 Golden Boy award, beating Jadon Sancho, who ended up in second place.
Currently playing with Atletico Madrid, Felix has more or less been a regular figure with the Portugal national team. With captain Cristiano Ronaldo being his mentor, the former Benfica man is expected to learn a lot inside the Portugal camp.
#4 Matthijs de Ligt (Juventus)
Matthijs de Ligt came through the ranks at Ajax. At a very young age, the Dutch defender was developing and growing steadily. He played in the 2017 Europa League final against Manchester United when he was just 17.
He was named the club's captain in March 2018, becoming the youngest ever player to do so at Ajax. With his tall and strong physique, De Ligt was a vital presence at the back. He read the game well, tackled with precision and was very effective in set-pieces.
The Dutchman won the 2018 Golden Boy award by beating Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold, who ended up in second position. In 2019, De Ligt was signed by Juventus where he got the opportunity to play with Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Portuguese superstar is a massive inspiration for the young defender and is evident in the comments he made in an interview in 2020:
“Ronaldo is the best of his generation and a huge example for young players,” the Dutchman told Tuttosport. “I always try to improve the way I play by watching him because even in training he has a crazy intensity and you wonder if he really is 35 years old."
#3 Isco (Real Madrid)
Cristiano Ronaldo played with some amazing players during his time at Real Madrid and Isco was one of them. The Spanish midfielder came through the ranks at Valencia and as he struggled to get into the senior team, he decided to join Malaga in 2011.
Isco is a very creative player with excellent technique at his disposal. He has amazing ball control and can dribble past players effortlessly. His superb performance in the 2012-13 season helped him win the 2012 Golden Boy award, beating AC Milan's Stephan El Shaarawy.
The Spaniard joined Real Madrid in 2013 and was gifted the opportunity to play alongside Cristiano Ronaldo. After the Portuguese left in 2018 to play for Juventus, Los Blancos started struggling. When askes if they missed the great Portuguese forward, Isco made the following statement:
"People have been talking about that all season. We can't be talking about someone who isn't here. I miss [Gareth] Bale and [Dani] Carvajal when they are not with us. There are plenty of solutions to score goals."
"We can't be crying over someone who didn't want to be here."
#2 Paul Pogba (Manchester United)
Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup-winning Manchester United team-mate Paul Pogba is a talented midfielder. The Frenchman, like the Portuguese, was once a Juventus player.
Pogba joined Juventus in 2012 citing concerns over playing time at Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson. On his day, the French superstar can destroy the opposition with his fascinating dribbling, amazing ball control, superb passing range and outrageous technique.
In the 2012-13 season, he helped the Old Lady win the Scudetto and was also instrumental in winning the U-20 World Cup for France.
This helped him win the 2013 Golden Boy award, beating second-placed Romelu Lukaku in the process. With Cristiano Ronaldo back at Manchester United this summer, Pogba will be looking to win some silverware with him. That being said, looking at the Red Devils' current situation, it is not going to be easy.
#1 Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)
Cristiano Ronaldo ran riot when he played with Wayne Rooney at Manchester United. The duo were almost unstoppable at times courtesy of their dangerous pace and fabulous goal-scoring abilities.
Rooney made a great impression while playing for Everton at a very young age. His goal ended Arsenal's 30-match unbeaten run in the 2002-03 season. His brilliant performances earned him a move to Manchester United in 2004. The English forward won the 2004 Golden Boy award.
Manchester United enjoyed a lot of success with both Cristiano Ronaldo and Rooney on the pitch. Both players have been huge admirers of each other. Without a doubt, Rooney has to be one of the best players Cristiano Ronaldo has played with.
