Real Madrid's Rodrygo admits big Cristiano Ronaldo regret

Real Madrid have been blessed with elite forwards over the years, but Ronaldo's impact still towers above the rest. Alongside Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema, he led one of the most feared attacking eras in the club's history, winning major honours and setting extraordinary standards at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Now part of the next generation, Rodrygo forms a key part of Madrid's modern frontline with Vinicius Junior and new arrival Kylian Mbappe. Yet despite carving out his own path, the Brazilian admits one dream slipped away before it even began.

Speaking on a podcast, Rodrygo opened up on the one moment he wishes had played out differently.

"I wanted to play with Cristiano Ronaldo, but it didn't happen," he said. "It's a shame as he's my role model. I have always looked up to him."

The timing simply did not work in his favour. Ronaldo left Madrid for Juventus in the summer of 2018 after nine trophy-laden seasons in Spain. Madrid had agreed a deal with Santos for Rodrygo in June 2018, but due to age regulations and pre-contract rules, he could not officially join until July 2019 - a full year after Ronaldo's departure.

It was a near miss that still lingers.

Rodrygo's current campaign has not been straightforward either. Injuries and limited minutes disrupted his rhythm earlier in the season, but with his fitness now improved, he is pushing for greater influence in Carlo Ancelotti's plans.

While he never shared the pitch with his hero, Rodrygo continues to build his own legacy in Madrid white - inspired by the very player he once dreamed of calling a team-mate.