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 this same thing he did….”👇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

**FOOTBALL DEN**

**Home PREMIER LEAGUE**

🗣 “Once I met Ronaldo, my football journey was completely transformed! … He guided me through it, sharing how he became so great and told me that if I wanted to achieve greatness too, I should follow the same path he did…”👇 “He was more like our coach at that point because he took on the role of doing what the coach would do, more so than the coach himself.”

**PREMIER LEAGUE**

🗣 “Once I met Ronaldo, my football journey was completely transformed! … He guided me through it, sharing how he became so great and told me that if I wanted to achieve greatness too, I should follow the same path he did…”👇 “He was more like our coach at that point because he took on the role of doing what the coach would do, more so than the coach himself.”

Written by LAVIZKID January 30, 2025

**”Once I Met Ronaldo, My Football Journey Was Completely Transformed!” – Diogo Dalot Shares How Cristiano Ronaldo Shaped His Career at Manchester United!**

When Diogo Dalot joined Manchester United in 2018, expectations were high, but his future at the club appeared uncertain. Struggling with consistency and dealing with injuries, the Portuguese right-back seemed destined to fade into obscurity as part of United’s long list of full-back changes. But everything shifted when he met one of football’s biggest icons—Cristiano Ronaldo.

Dalot has now spoken out about how Ronaldo’s influence became a game-changer in his career, revealing how the five-time Ballon d’Or winner became more than just a teammate—he was a mentor, a leader, and even a coach during training.

**“He Was More Like Our Coach Than the Coach Himself”**

Talking about Ronaldo’s influence, Dalot shared:

“As soon as I met Ronaldo, my football journey was completely transformed! He guided me through it, sharing how he became so great and told me that if I wanted to achieve greatness too, I should follow the same path he did.”

Ronaldo’s words struck Dalot deeply, who realized that raw talent alone wasn’t enough. The legendary Portuguese forward, known for his tireless work ethic and commitment to constant self-improvement, set a standard that few could emulate. While many players relied mainly on training sessions, Ronaldo elevated his preparation to an entirely new level.

“He was more like our coach at that point because he took on the role of doing what the coach would do, more so than the coach himself.”

Dalot’s comments underscore how Ronaldo’s presence reshaped the mentality in the United dressing room. Despite having experienced managers, it was Ronaldo who led by example, pushing his teammates to give their best and establishing an unmatched standard of professionalism.

**From Uncertain Player to United’s Dependable Right-Back**

Before Ronaldo’s return to Manchester United in 2021, Dalot struggled to secure a regular spot in the starting lineup. Loaned to AC Milan for the 2020/21 season, many believed Dalot’s future lay elsewhere. However, after coming back to United, Dalot found himself training with one of the greatest players ever—and that made all the difference.

Ronaldo pushed Dalot to work harder, improve his fitness, and sharpen his mental focus. Dalot took these lessons seriously and gradually became one of United’s most reliable players under Erik ten Hag.

His defensive skills improved, his attacking runs became sharper, and most importantly, his self-assurance grew. The once uncertain full-back had now become a pivotal figure for the Red Devils, all thanks to the lessons learned from Ronaldo.

**Ronaldo’s Enduring Legacy at United**

Despite the controversial end to Ronaldo’s time at Manchester United in late 2022, his influence continues to be felt by players like Dalot. The right-back’s rise is a testament to Ronaldo’s impact, not only as a goal-scoring machine but also as a leader who inspired those around him.

Dalot’s transformation proves that greatness isn’t just about natural talent—it’s about discipline, hard work, and the willingness to learn from the best. For Dalot, Cristiano Ronaldo was the ultimate role model of all these qualities.