James Rodriguez Reveals How Cristiano Ronaldo Helped Him Settle at Real Madrid

Colombia captain James Rodriguez has revealed the important role Cristiano Ronaldo played in helping him adapt after joining Real Madrid in 2014.

Rodriguez, who moved to the Spanish giants from Monaco after an impressive World Cup campaign, said Ronaldo was among the first teammates to welcome him and make him feel comfortable at the club.

Speaking after Colombia’s 0-0 draw with Portugal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 34-year-old praised Ronaldo as a role model and recalled how the Portuguese star invited him to his home shortly after his arrival in Madrid.

“Cristiano is a role model. When I arrived at Real Madrid, he was one of the first people to welcome me,” Rodriguez said, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano.

“He invited me to his house, and we became close friends. He’s a wonderful person and an example for everyone. Just look at his physique at 41 years of age.”

Rodriguez and Ronaldo shared the Real Madrid dressing room for four seasons before the Portuguese forward left the club in 2018 to join Juventus.

Opinion: Ronaldo’s legacy is often discussed through goals, trophies and records, but stories like Rodriguez’s highlight another side of elite athletes — leadership and support for teammates. Helping a new player settle at one of the world’s biggest clubs is a quality that often goes unnoticed but can have a lasting impact.