Why Cristiano Ronaldo ‘grabbed’ legendary Real Madrid defender’s neck

Marcelo thought fighting with Cristiano Ronaldo meant an end for his Real Madrid career

That player was Marcelo, who later shared the story during an appearance on La Revuelta (h/t Sports Illustrated).

“My relationship with Cristiano started with a fight. I kicked him; he was very fast. He passed by, elbowed me, and I kicked him, and he grabbed me by the neck,” Marcelo recalled.

He added: “I tried as well, but he was very tall. I received the message that Madrid was going to sign him in two months. And I thought, blimey, I’m leaving.”

The clash took place during a friendly between Brazil and Portugal and quickly turned personal. Marcelo admitted he first thought Ronaldo’s arrival would end his own time at Real Madrid.

Instead, that brief moment became the start of one of the club’s most successful partnerships.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcelo’s bond at Real Madrid

Once teammates, their early fight was forgotten. Ronaldo and Marcelo formed one of the most productive left-side combinations in football history.

Marcelo’s attacking vision matched perfectly with Ronaldo’s clinical finishing, turning Real Madrid’s left wing into a constant threat.

The duo played 332 matches together and combined for 33 goals, winning four UEFA Champions League titles along the way.

Away from the pitch, their friendship grew stronger with each season, built on mutual respect and shared ambition.

That first encounter, once filled with tension, became a memorable beginning to one of football’s most iconic partnerships.

The neck grab that once showed conflict became part of Real Madrid’s story of teamwork and triumph.