USMNT's McKennie Shares Stunning Ronaldo Anecdote from Juventus

Midfielder witnessed Ronaldo's extreme work ethic during their time as teammates in Turin.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 11:42pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movements and interactions of two soccer players, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the energy and intensity of their play.Ronaldo's unparalleled work ethic left a lasting impression on his Juventus teammate McKennie.Manchester Today

Weston McKennie has offered a rare glimpse into Cristiano Ronaldo's unparalleled professionalism during their shared time at Juventus. The USMNT midfielder revealed that even after late-night matches, Ronaldo would immediately go for an ice bath rather than going home, and the morning after tough games, he'd be in the gym training his whole body - something McKennie said he 'needed to see with his own eyes to believe'.

Why it matters

Ronaldo's relentless work ethic and dedication to his craft are the stuff of legend, and McKennie's firsthand account provides unique insight into the superstar's commitment to excellence, even at the highest levels of the game.

The details

McKennie and Ronaldo were teammates at Juventus during the 2020-21 season, with the American midfielder playing a hybrid midfield role that complemented Ronaldo's finishing ability. While their on-field partnership produced some standout moments, like a Champions League win over Barcelona, it was Ronaldo's off-field habits that left the biggest impression on McKennie.

  • McKennie and Ronaldo were teammates at Juventus during the 2020-21 season.
  • Ronaldo joined Juventus in 2018 from Real Madrid for over $117 million.

The players

Cristiano Ronaldo

A Portuguese professional footballer who plays as a forward for Manchester United. Ronaldo is known for his relentless work ethic and dedication to his craft, which has made him one of the greatest players of his generation.

Weston McKennie

An American professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for the United States Men's National Team and Juventus. McKennie spent the 2020-21 season as Ronaldo's teammate at Juventus.

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What they’re saying

“It was incredible to play with him. When I met him, I thought that everything you hear about his professionalism is completely true.”

— Weston McKennie, Juventus Midfielder

“We'd come back from games at 3:00 AM, and he'd go for an ice bath instead of going home. The morning after a tough game, he'd be in the gym training his whole body. It was something I needed to see with my own eyes to believe.”

— Weston McKennie, Juventus Midfielder

The takeaway

McKennie's firsthand account of Ronaldo's unparalleled work ethic and professionalism provides a rare glimpse into the mindset and habits that have made the Portuguese superstar one of the greatest players of his era. It's a testament to Ronaldo's relentless drive to improve and excel at the highest levels of the game.