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Wayne Rooney Speaks Out on 'Hating' Cristiano Ronaldo as Lionel Messi Claim Made
Wayne Rooney has once again made headlines after commenting on his past relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo and addressing claims that he ‘hated’ his former Manchester United teammate. In the same breath, Rooney’s remarks about Lionel Messi have reignited the eternal GOAT debate.
This in-depth article explores the history between Rooney and Ronaldo, the origins of the “hate” rumors, and what these new statements reveal about mutual respect, rivalry, and football legacy.
Introduction: A Decade-Old Friendship Under the Microscope
Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo are two of the biggest names in football history — teammates turned global superstars. Their paths crossed at Manchester United in the early 2000s, forming one of the most feared attacking partnerships in football. But after years of friendship, competition, and contrasting public statements, fans have often wondered: what’s really going on between Rooney and Ronaldo?
Cristiano Ronaldo & Wayne Rooney Myth is Settled… @waynerooney loves him! 👏🏽❤️#ronaldo #cr7 #cristiano pic.twitter.com/yRISyS6F3V
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) September 24, 2025
Recently, Wayne Rooney addressed these questions directly, clarifying comments that sparked headlines about him “hating” Ronaldo. He also discussed Lionel Messi and his perspective on the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) debate, adding fuel to an already heated conversation.
The Origin of the ‘Hate’ Rumors
The so-called rivalry between Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo dates back to the 2006 FIFA World Cup quarterfinal match between England and Portugal. In that infamous game, Ronaldo was seen winking after Rooney received a red card, leading many English fans — and even some teammates — to believe that Ronaldo had influenced the referee’s decision.
For years, tabloids and social media users claimed this moment damaged their relationship. However, Rooney has consistently downplayed the incident, explaining that what happened on the pitch stayed on the pitch.
In a recent interview, Rooney revisited that event:
“There was never hate. We were both desperate to win for our countries. When we returned to Manchester United, there were no hard feelings — we moved on as professionals.”
This statement clarifies what many fans misunderstood for years. What appeared to be tension was, in fact, fierce competitive spirit.
Manchester United: Where Legends Were Made
Both Rooney and Ronaldo reached their peak under Sir Alex Ferguson’s management. Their chemistry on the field was electric — pace, precision, and power combined in perfect harmony. Together, they helped Manchester United dominate English football in the mid-to-late 2000s, winning multiple Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League in 2008.
Rooney often described Ronaldo as the “most driven player” he ever played with, noting how Ronaldo’s training habits were second to none. Ronaldo, on his part, has praised Rooney’s tactical intelligence and unselfish play.
Their partnership was a masterclass in balance — Rooney often doing the dirty work while Ronaldo took center stage as the finisher. It was a relationship of mutual respect, built on shared ambition.
Post-Manchester United: Different Paths, Same Legacy
After Ronaldo’s move to Real Madrid in 2009, their professional paths diverged. Ronaldo became a global icon, shattering records in Spain and later with Juventus, Al Nassr, and Portugal. Rooney stayed with United, becoming the club’s all-time top scorer and one of England’s most respected captains.
While both men followed different journeys, their careers have remained intertwined in public discussion. Every time Ronaldo broke another record, comparisons resurfaced. Fans debated who carried the team more or who left a bigger legacy at Old Trafford.
Rooney has always maintained admiration for Ronaldo’s achievements, even while pointing out differences in their approaches to the game.
Rooney’s Comments on Lionel Messi and the GOAT Debate
In his latest statement, Rooney didn’t stop at clarifying his relationship with Ronaldo — he also touched upon the long-running Lionel Messi vs. Cristiano Ronaldo debate. His remarks were candid but respectful:
“Messi is probably the most naturally gifted player I’ve ever seen. But what Ronaldo has done through sheer hard work and determination is incredible. They’re both unbelievable — two different types of greatness.”
This quote demonstrates Rooney’s balanced perspective. He admires Messi’s artistry but also acknowledges Ronaldo’s dedication. Instead of fueling rivalry, Rooney’s comments bring perspective to what fans often overlook — that both players have redefined football in their unique ways.
The Media’s Role in the ‘Hate’ Narrative
Part of the misunderstanding between Rooney and Ronaldo can be attributed to the media’s constant narrative of rivalry. Headlines exaggerate tension to attract attention, often taking words out of context.
When Rooney joked on television that Ronaldo was “annoying” at times or that he had a “bigger ego than most,” these comments were often spun as personal attacks — despite being playful remarks between former teammates.
Ronaldo, during one of his interviews, mentioned that he had “no problem” with Rooney but acknowledged that media speculation made things “look bigger than they were.”
The truth, it seems, lies somewhere in the middle — professional rivalry, magnified by years of media storytelling.
The Power of Respect: Mutual Admiration Beyond Rivalry
Despite the occasional headlines, both Rooney and Ronaldo have demonstrated genuine respect for one another. When Rooney retired from football, Ronaldo congratulated him publicly, calling him “a warrior on the pitch and a gentleman off it.”
Likewise, Rooney has repeatedly defended Ronaldo from critics, especially during his second stint at Manchester United. When Ronaldo faced criticism for his attitude in 2022, Rooney said:
“He’s one of the greatest players ever. You don’t achieve what he’s achieved without that drive. People forget how high the standards are when you’re Cristiano Ronaldo.”
This mutual respect has kept their legacy intact, despite years of speculation.
Why Fans Still Obsess Over Ronaldo and Rooney
Fans continue to revisit the Ronaldo-Rooney story because it represents something rare in modern football — two generational talents rising together. They embody different archetypes of greatness: Ronaldo, the relentless perfectionist, and Rooney, the fierce competitor with natural instinct.
Their friendship and rivalry symbolize football’s emotional depth — how sport can create both bonds and battles that last decades.
In an era of fleeting club loyalty, the bond they built at Manchester United still resonates with fans who grew up watching their magic on the field.
Lessons from the Ronaldo-Rooney Saga
- Competition Doesn’t Mean Conflict: Rivalry can fuel excellence without turning into animosity.
- Media Narratives Aren’t Always Reality: What fans read in headlines often doesn’t match what players actually feel.
- Mutual Respect Defines Legends: Even among fierce competitors, acknowledgment and respect remain central to greatness.
- GOAT Debates Are Subjective: Comparing Messi and Ronaldo is less about who’s better — and more about what kind of greatness fans value.
Conclusion: Friendship Beyond Football
Wayne Rooney’s recent comments finally put to rest one of football’s most persistent myths — that he hated Cristiano Ronaldo. In truth, theirs is a story of two men driven by the same hunger for greatness, occasionally clashing but ultimately respecting one another.
By addressing the “hate” rumors and discussing Messi, Rooney gave fans a rare glimpse into how football’s biggest icons view each other — not as enemies, but as peers in the pursuit of excellence.
The next time fans debate the GOAT question or recall Manchester United’s golden era, they’ll remember not just the goals and trophies, but the brotherhood that made them possible.