Diogo Dalot reveals how Cristiano Ronaldo transformed his career at Manchester United! From nearly being written off to becoming one of United’s most reliable players—Dalot credits Ronaldo for pushing him to another level!
When Diogo Dalot joined Manchester United in 2018, there were high hopes for his development, but his time at Old Trafford initially seemed uncertain. Injuries and inconsistency hindered his progress, and he appeared to be another young talent struggling to establish himself. However, everything took a dramatic turn when Cristiano Ronaldo returned to the club.
Dalot has now revealed how Ronaldo’s presence completely transformed his career. More than just a superstar teammate, Ronaldo became a mentor and a driving force in his development. The Portuguese full-back admitted that his footballing perspective changed entirely once he started learning from the five-time Ballon d’Or winner. He recalled Ronaldo telling him that greatness required relentless dedication and that if he wanted to reach the top, he needed to adopt the same mindset.
Ronaldo’s influence extended beyond just words. His commitment to training, self-discipline, and professionalism set a standard that Dalot couldn’t ignore. While coaches played their part, Ronaldo led by example in ways that left a lasting impression. Dalot observed firsthand how the legendary forward took preparation to another level, going beyond what was required to stay at the peak of his game.
Before Ronaldo’s arrival, Dalot struggled to establish himself as a regular at United. A loan spell at AC Milan in the 2020/21 season raised doubts about his long-term future at the club. However, upon returning to Manchester and training alongside Ronaldo, everything changed. The intensity of their training sessions pushed Dalot to improve in every aspect—his fitness, tactical awareness, and overall mentality.
That period proved to be a turning point. Under Erik ten Hag, Dalot evolved into one of United’s most reliable players. His defensive skills sharpened, his attacking contributions became more precise, and most importantly, his confidence soared. The once uncertain full-back was now a key figure in United’s squad, a transformation he attributes largely to Ronaldo’s influence.
Even though Ronaldo’s second stint at Manchester United ended on a controversial note, his impact on players like Dalot remains undeniable. His legacy isn’t just about the goals he scored but also about the mindset he instilled in those around him. Dalot’s rise serves as proof that true greatness requires more than just talent—it demands hard work, discipline, and the ability to learn from the best. For him, Ronaldo was the ultimate role model, and the lessons he learned continue to shape his career.
