Despite Facing Cristiano Ronaldo’s Wrath Over ‘Ballon d’Or’ Comment, Ex-Portuguese Star Calls Al Nassr Star His ‘Friend’

Not so long back, one of Cristiano Ronaldo‘s youth academy teammates took the soccer world by storm with a candid take on the Al Nassr star. The former Portuguese player Fabio Paim did not think twice before saying he could have surpassed Ronaldo. Without any plan to stop, Paim said that Ronaldo should give one of his five Ballon d’Or to him and recognize his talent. These outlandish claims came to Ronaldo’s notice, and he was quick to fire back. Nonetheless, Paim has once again opened up about his equation with the Portuguese captain.

Cristiano Ronaldo openly said that he doesn’t even know Fabio Paim. But, Paim thinks the Al Nassr star joked that day. Let us see what Paim has to say now about his old pal.

Fabio Paim speaks about Cristiano Ronaldo again!

When Fabio Paim’s claims on Cristiano Ronaldo and his strange Ballon d’Or demand became the talk of the town, the latter hit back with a brutal message. Then, the 38-year-old took to X and tweeted, “WTF? Who is this guy?” referring to Fabio Paim. In an interview, Paim was asked about Ronaldo publicly denouncing him and his claims. 

“I don’t think what Cristiano said was serious. It was a joke. But it had a good impact: people are talking about our relationship. Ronaldo is helping me, because people are talking about me. We played together, we were friends, we have nothing against each other,” said Paim, dismissing Ronaldo’s tweet.

Admitting to fan over Ronaldo, Paim said he looks forward to meeting him after 20 years. While CR7 denounced Paim and has never spoken about the matter since then, it is a bit conflating to think he does not know Paim. In fact, the 2016 UEFA Euro winner had once showered praises on the now estranged Fabio Paim.

Cristiano Ronaldo on Fabio Paim

Though Cristiano Ronaldo and Fabio Paim never played together for Sporting CP’s senior team, they spent time at the club’s youth academy. When Ronaldo moved to Manchester United, he assured his flabbergasted fans to wait until they saw Fabio Paim’s action! 

READ MORE: Inching Closer to Cristiano Ronaldo Reunion, Casemiro’s Future Plans Confirmed by Manchester United’s Move

However, the star did not rise for Paim. The 35-year-old had colorless stints at Portuguese clubs. He once donned Chelsea’s colors on the back of a loan move. Yet, Paim also failed to make it to Portugal’s senior team.

The Portuguese soccer player revealed regrets about his actions, which ultimately cost him his career. His friend Ronaldo, however, came light years ahead from Sporting’s youth academy, thanks to hard work, resilience, and commitment.

WATCH THIS STORY: Meet the Legendary Tennis Player Who Is 3x Richer Than Cristiano Ronaldo