The Real Reason Cristiano Ronaldo Left Real Madrid in 2018 — Explained

Why did Cristiano Ronaldo leave Real Madrid in 2018 after nine glorious years, four Champions League titles, and countless personal records? Fans around the world were stunned when one of football’s greatest icons decided to end his era at the Santiago Bernabéu. In this in-depth look, we uncover the real reasons behind his departure, from contract disputes to personal ambitions, power struggles, and changing dynamics inside Real Madrid.

Why Did Cristiano Ronaldo Leave Real Madrid?

Cristiano Ronaldo left Real Madrid in 2018 primarily due to strained relations with club president Florentino Pérez, contract dissatisfaction, and his desire for a new challenge. Additionally, tax issues in Spain and feeling underappreciated despite record-breaking performances contributed to his decision to join Juventus.

Background: Ronaldo’s Golden Era at Real Madrid

Cristiano Ronaldo joined Real Madrid from Manchester United in 2009 for a then world-record fee of €94 million. Over nine seasons, he transformed the club’s fortunes and became their all-time top scorer.

Key Achievements:

• 450 goals in 438 appearances
• 4 UEFA Champions League titles (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018)
• 2 La Liga titles and 3 Club World Cups
• 4 Ballon d’Or awards during his Madrid career

His partnership with Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale (the famous BBC trio) dominated European football. But by 2018, cracks began to show beneath the surface.

The Contract Dispute and Feeling Undervalued

After winning the 2017 Champions League, Ronaldo expected a new contract reflecting his superstar status — especially since Lionel Messi had signed a massive renewal with Barcelona.

What Happened:

• Ronaldo reportedly wanted salary parity with Messi and Neymar.
• Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez was reluctant to meet his demands, citing the club’s long-term financial structure.
• Ronaldo felt disrespected and underappreciated by the club hierarchy.

He hinted at discontent in interviews, famously saying after the 2018 Champions League Final:

“It was very nice to be at Real Madrid… I’ll speak in the next few days.”

That cryptic message was a clear sign his chapter in Madrid was closing.

The Relationship Breakdown with Florentino Pérez

While Ronaldo shared mutual respect with his teammates and fans, his relationship with club president Florentino Pérez deteriorated.

Points of Tension:

• Pérez’s growing preference for younger stars like Neymar or Mbappé.
• Lack of public support from the president during Ronaldo’s tax case in Spain.
• The feeling that Pérez saw him as a replaceable asset rather than a legend.

Sources close to Ronaldo revealed that he felt “betrayed” after being told he could leave if a club matched his valuation — which Juventus eventually did.

Tax Evasion Case and Legal Pressures

Another key factor was Ronaldo’s tax investigation by Spanish authorities between 2017 and 2018.

• He was accused of evading €14.7 million in taxes.
• Though he later settled and paid fines, the episode caused public embarrassment.
• Ronaldo felt the club did not defend him as Barcelona did for Messi during similar issues.

This lack of support reportedly deepened his resentment toward Real Madrid management.

The Juventus Opportunity — A Fresh Challenge

When Juventus approached Real Madrid in the summer of 2018, it offered Ronaldo both a new sporting challenge and financial stability.

Reasons for the Move:

• Juventus offered €100 million to Madrid and a €30 million annual salary.
• Serie A was a new stage for Ronaldo to prove himself beyond La Liga.
• The move aligned with his long-term goals to expand CR7’s brand in Italy and Europe.

Transfer Details Table

Comparing Ronaldo’s Other Major Departures

Ronaldo’s Legacy at Real Madrid

Even though he left on difficult terms, Cristiano Ronaldo remains one of Real Madrid’s greatest players. His impact is unmatched in goals, trophies, and global influence.

Key Legacy Points:

• Real Madrid’s most prolific goal scorer ever (450 goals).
• Helped the club achieve historic Champions League three-peat (2016–2018).
• Inspired a generation of fans worldwide.

As Florentino Pérez later admitted, “He’ll always be part of Real Madrid’s history.”

How His Departure Changed Real Madrid

Real Madrid entered a rebuilding phase after Ronaldo’s exit. The immediate aftermath exposed how dependent they were on his goals.

Post-Ronaldo Effects:

• The team’s La Liga goal tally dropped sharply in 2018-19.
• Madrid were knocked out early in the Champions League that season.
• The club invested heavily in new stars like Eden Hazard and later Vinícius Jr., but none could replicate Ronaldo’s dominance.

Comparing Ronaldo’s Exit with Other Stars

Ronaldo’s case stands out because it was not forced by external restrictions, but rather by a clash of pride, power, and ambition.

The Emotional Farewell

Ronaldo’s goodbye message on social media was heartfelt:

“The years at Real Madrid, and in this city of Madrid, have been possibly the happiest of my life. I feel enormous gratitude for this club, for the fans, and for this city. But I believe the time has come to open a new stage.”

Fans worldwide expressed both sadness and respect, realizing an era had truly ended.

Related Searches & Semantic Topics

This post also answers related popular searches:

• Why did Ronaldo leave Manchester United in 2009
• Why Ronaldo left Real Madrid for Juventus
• Why did Ronaldo leave Manchester United in 2022 and 2023
• Why did Ronaldo join Al Nassr
• Why did Ronaldo leave Manchester United in 2021
• Why Messi left Barcelona

Each of these moves defines a stage in his evolution from prodigy to global icon.

Ronaldo After Real Madrid — The Juventus Years and Beyond

At Juventus, Ronaldo continued to defy age and expectations:

• Scored 101 goals in 134 games
• Won 2 Serie A titles
• Became the fastest player in Juventus history to reach 100 goals

Although Juventus did not win the Champions League, Ronaldo’s individual performances remained world-class.

By 2025, he’s playing in Saudi Arabia for Al Nassr, continuing to inspire millions and expanding football’s global reach.

Ronaldo vs Messi — Club Loyalty and Transitions

Both legends eventually left their boyhood clubs amid emotional and complex circumstances — highlighting how even the greatest footballers face business realities.

Final Thoughts: Pride, Power, and the Pursuit of Legacy

The real reason Cristiano Ronaldo left Real Madrid in 2018 was not one single issue but a combination of financial, personal, and emotional factors.
He felt he had achieved everything in Spain and needed a fresh chapter to continue growing as both a player and a global brand.

Even years later, his departure remains one of football’s most discussed events — proof of the deep mark he left at Real Madrid and the sport as a whole.