“As Soon as I Met Ronaldo, My Football Life Changed Completely!” – Diogo Dalot Reveals How Cristiano Ronaldo Transformed His Career at Manchester United!
When Diogo Dalot arrived at Manchester United in 2018, expectations were high, but his career at Old Trafford seemed to be heading towards an uncertain future. Struggling for consistency and battling injuries, the Portuguese right-back was at risk of becoming another forgotten name in United’s revolving door of full-backs. However, everything changed when he crossed paths with a footballing icon—Cristiano Ronaldo.
Dalot has now opened up about how Ronaldo’s influence was the turning point in his career, describing how the five-time Ballon d’Or winner became more than just a teammate—he was a mentor, a leader, and even a coach on the pitch.
“He Was More Like Our Coach Than the Coach Himself”
Speaking about Ronaldo’s impact, Dalot revealed:
“As soon as I met Ronaldo, my football life changed completely! He helped me go through it and he told me how he became so great, that if I want to be great too I should do the same thing he did.”
These words from Ronaldo struck a chord with Dalot, who realized that talent alone would never be enough. The Portuguese legend, known for his relentless work ethic and obsession with self-improvement, set an example that few could match. While many players relied solely on their training sessions, Ronaldo took his preparation to an entirely different level.
“He was more like our coach then because he was the one that would do the work of the coach, more than the coach himself.”
Dalot’s statement highlights just how much Ronaldo’s presence changed the mentality inside the United dressing room. Even with experienced managers in charge, it was Ronaldo who led by example, demanding the best from his teammates and setting an unparalleled standard of professionalism.
From Fringe Player to United’s Reliable Right-Back
Before Ronaldo’s return to Manchester United in 2021, Dalot was struggling to cement his place in the starting XI. Loaned out to AC Milan for the 2020/21 season, many believed his future lay away from Old Trafford. However, after returning to United, Dalot found himself training alongside one of the greatest players in football history—and that changed everything.
Ronaldo pushed him to train harder, focus more on his fitness, and sharpen his mentality. Dalot took those lessons to heart, gradually becoming one of United’s most consistent performers under Erik ten Hag.
His defensive game improved, his attacking runs became more precise, and most importantly, his confidence soared. The once uncertain full-back was now a key player for the Red Devils, all thanks to the lessons he learned from Ronaldo.
Ronaldo’s Lasting Legacy at United
Despite Ronaldo’s controversial exit from Manchester United in late 2022, his impact remains evident in players like Dalot. The right-back’s rise to prominence is a testament to the influence Ronaldo had, not just as a goal machine but as a leader who uplifted those around him.
Dalot’s transformation is proof that greatness isn’t just about talent—it’s about discipline, hard work, and the willingness to learn from the best. And for him, Cristiano Ronaldo was
the ultimate example of that.