Ronaldo offers candid career advice to struggling Real Madrid star

Cristiano Ronaldo has offered supportive career advice to Real Madrid winger Rodrygo, urging the Brazilian forward to remain resilient during a turbulent period in his career. 

The poignant interaction occurred after the 25-year-old, who has long idolised the Portuguese superstar, travelled to the Miami Stadium to watch Portugal's 2026 FIFA World Cup Group K decider against Colombia on Saturday, June 27. 

Following the historic 0-0 draw, a result that saw Colombia win the group with seven points while Portugal safely advanced to the Round of 32 as runners-up with five points the pair shared a brief moment.

 Recognising the young attacker's current physical and professional struggles, the 41-year-old Portugal captain delivered a simple yet profoundly powerful message of reassurance: "Be patient, everything will go well." 

Ronaldo’s comforting words arrive at a critically difficult juncture for Rodrygo, who is currently undergoing rehabilitation for a long-term injury that ultimately sidelined him from Brazil's current World Cup campaign. 

Even prior to this devastating physical setback, the winger had been steadily falling out of prominence within the Real Madrid squad over the past season, severely limiting his game time and sparking media speculation linking him with an exit.

Rodrygo arrived in the Spanish capital in 2019 and has successfully lifted two La Liga titles, alongside the 2021/22 and 2023/24 UEFA Champions League trophies, seeking to carry on the legacy of Ronaldo, who conquered Spain by securing four European crowns for Los Blancos before departing in 2018.