Throughout his extraordinary career, Ronaldo Nazário had the privilege of sharing the pitch with some of the greatest footballers of all time. Widely regarded as one of the most complete strikers in football history, the Brazilian icon played for elite clubs such as PSV Eindhoven, Barcelona, Inter Milan, AC Milan, and Real Madrid, collecting nearly every major trophy available along the way.
Ronaldo’s teammates included a constellation of global superstars—Zinedine Zidane, Luis Figo, Fabio Cannavaro, and many others who would later claim football’s most prestigious individual awards, including the Ballon d’Or. His career was defined by brilliance, elegance, and an ability to perform at the highest level regardless of league or country.
However, not every player Ronaldo encountered during his journey matched that elite standard. In a candid conversation that recently resurfaced, the Brazilian legend offered a brutally honest assessment of one former teammate—labeling him the worst player he ever played alongside.
A Frank Conversation with Romário
Ronaldo made the revelation during an informal discussion with fellow Brazilian legend Romário, known for his own outspoken personality. When asked about the least impressive teammate of his career, Ronaldo did not hesitate.
He named Thomas Gravesen, a former Real Madrid midfielder who joined the Spanish giants in 2005 after spells with Everton and Celtic. Despite arriving at the Santiago Bernabéu with a reputation as a tough, energetic enforcer, Gravesen’s time in Madrid proved short-lived and largely forgettable.
Speaking to Romário and later quoted by Spanish outlet Relevo, Ronaldo did not mince his words.
“There was a player at Real Madrid who was honestly a joke,” Ronaldo said.
“Gravesen was a very nice guy, a really good person. Recently, he even won a $50 million poker tournament. But as a footballer, he was very bad.”
The comment quickly sparked debate among fans and pundits, given Ronaldo’s stature and the bluntness of his assessment.
Why Thomas Gravesen Struggled at Real Madrid
Gravesen joined Real Madrid during a transitional period for the club, when the Galácticos era was beginning to lose its shine. Madrid were seeking balance in midfield, hoping Gravesen’s physicality would complement their attacking stars.
In reality, the Danish midfielder struggled to adapt to Madrid’s technical demands and tactical expectations. His aggressive style often looked out of place alongside players known for finesse and positional intelligence. After just one season, Gravesen was sold, bringing an unremarkable chapter of his career to an end.
Ronaldo’s criticism was not aimed at Gravesen’s character, which he openly praised, but purely at his footballing ability—particularly in comparison to the elite environment of Real Madrid.
Part of a Disastrous Transfer Period
Gravesen’s arrival is often cited as part of one of Real Madrid’s worst transfer windows of the modern era. Around the same time, the club also signed Jonathan Woodgate and Michael Owen.
While Owen eventually found moments of success, Woodgate endured one of the most infamous debuts in football history—scoring an own goal and being sent off in his first appearance. The trio symbolized a recruitment strategy that failed to address Madrid’s real needs.
Ronaldo’s comments, therefore, reflect a broader frustration with that period rather than a personal vendetta against Gravesen.
Life After Football: A Surprising Success Story
Ironically, while Gravesen’s footballing career at the highest level ended quietly, his post-retirement life has been remarkably successful.
Now 49 years old, Gravesen has reportedly built a fortune through smart investments and professional poker. According to various reports, his net worth is estimated to be around £100 million, far exceeding the earnings of many former top-level footballers.
Ronaldo himself acknowledged this unexpected twist, pointing out that Gravesen’s success away from football stands in stark contrast to his struggles on the pitch.
Ronaldo’s Honesty Adds to His Legacy
Ronaldo Nazário has never been known to hide his opinions. Throughout his post-playing career, he has spoken openly about injuries, club politics, and teammates—both good and bad. His willingness to be honest, even when it may cause controversy, is part of what continues to make him a compelling figure in the football world.
It is also worth noting that naming one “worst teammate” does not diminish the overall quality of Ronaldo’s career. On the contrary, it highlights just how extraordinary the standard around him usually was. When you have played alongside legends for most of your career, the outliers inevitably stand out.
A Career Defined by Greatness, Not Grievances
Despite the sharpness of his remarks, Ronaldo’s story remains one of brilliance rather than bitterness. His legacy is built on two World Cups, multiple league titles, individual awards, and unforgettable moments that shaped modern football.
The Gravesen comment offers a rare glimpse behind the scenes of elite dressing rooms, where not every signing works and not every player belongs at the very top.
For fans, it serves as a reminder that even legends like Ronaldo experienced frustrations—and that football careers can take wildly different paths once the final whistle blows.
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