More than a decade after their heated clash, former LaLiga forward Walter Pandiani has once again opened up about his experience with Cristiano Ronaldo during the Portuguese star’s time at Real Madrid.
Looking back, Pandiani insists that while Ronaldo’s talent was unquestionable, his attitude often left much to be desired.
Ronaldo’s Golden Era at Real Madrid
There’s no denying that Cristiano Ronaldo’s time in Spain was nothing short of legendary.
With four Champions League titles, two LaLiga crowns, and multiple domestic and international trophies under his belt, he cemented himself as one of the greatest to ever wear the white shirt.
On top of that, he scored a staggering 450 goals in 438 appearances—an achievement that made him Real Madrid’s all-time leading scorer.
But while the numbers tell one side of the story, Pandiani suggests that Ronaldo’s behavior off the ball sometimes overshadowed his brilliance on it.
A Heated Clash in Pamplona
One of the flashpoints came back in the 2011/12 season, when Real Madrid visited Osasuna.
According to Pandiani, tensions were already high before kick-off.
The home fans targeted Ronaldo with boos and insults during warm-up, which he claims visibly irritated the Portuguese star.
“He was so wound up,” Pandiani recalled, saying Ronaldo even practiced free kicks toward the stands in frustration.
By the time the match began, the tension spilled onto the pitch.
Words That Sparked a Tunnel Bust-Up
During the game, Ronaldo shoved Pandiani’s teammate Javier Camuñas, prompting the Uruguayan striker to intervene.
That confrontation quickly escalated.
“I pushed him back, and he asked me who I was and how much I earned,” Pandiani explained.
The fiery exchange carried on into the tunnel, where both Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos confronted him.
“I didn’t like his attitude at all. He was arrogant. An amazing goalscorer, yes—but his behavior, not so much.”
Mourinho’s Response
After the clash, then-Real Madrid coach José Mourinho defended his star, suggesting that Pandiani was simply chasing headlines despite being an experienced LaLiga player.
But Pandiani insists the situation was “very unpleasant” and claims his criticism of Ronaldo was not about publicity, but about conduct on the pitch.
The Result and Its Impact
The heated encounter ended badly for Real Madrid, with Osasuna snatching a 1-0 win thanks to Camuñas’ goal.
That defeat proved costly, as Barcelona went on to clinch the LaLiga title that season by just four points.
A Career of His Own
While Ronaldo’s name will forever shine in football history, Pandiani himself enjoyed a respectable career.
The Uruguayan striker, nicknamed “The Rifle,” scored 82 goals in 279 LaLiga games, lifted the Copa del Rey with three different clubs, and celebrated Spanish Super Cup success twice with Deportivo La Coruña.
He even had a stint in the Premier League with Birmingham City.
A Legacy Still Debated
Today, Ronaldo continues his career with Al-Nassr, carrying with him a legacy that sparks both admiration and controversy.
For Pandiani, however, the memory of their clash remains a reminder that greatness on the pitch doesn’t always align with humility off it.
