Alvaro Morata Names Cristiano Ronaldo Greatest of All Time, Reveals Lavish Gift-Giving at Real Madrid

Alvaro Morata has placed Cristiano Ronaldo above every other player in the history of football, citing not only the Portuguese forward’s on-pitch excellence but also the qualities he witnessed up close during their shared spell at Real Madrid.

Speaking on the “El Camino de Mario” podcast, Morata offered a detailed account of what it was like to develop as a young striker alongside one of the sport’s most decorated figures. His recollections painted a picture of a teammate who was both extraordinarily demanding and unexpectedly generous.

“I remember when I was young and we went for pre-seasons, he would tell me what I needed or we would go shopping,” Morata said. “He would give us an iPad, a mobile phone, perfumes… it was spectacular.”

The gesture was not limited to a single occasion. According to Morata, Ronaldo regularly treated younger squad members to gifts during pre-season tours, a habit that left a lasting impression on the Spanish forward. Morata described the behaviour as “spectacular” and noted that Ronaldo consistently gave him exceptional personal treatment throughout their time together.

Beyond the material generosity, Morata also spoke about a side of Ronaldo that rarely surfaces in public. “We spent a lot of time together, talking about many things,” he said. “What I would say about Cristiano is that, despite everything you see from the outside, when you go to dinner with him, it’s mind-blowing. He understands everything, he’s studied a lot of things. He’s cultured in all areas of life, which is impressive.”

Morata also reflected on the physical dedication that defined Ronaldo’s daily routine — something he found difficult to comprehend as a younger player. “You’d arrive from a trip at five in the morning, eager to get home and lie down in bed, and the guy starts doing sit-ups, cold showers, and cycling,” he recalled. “A guy who does that… I can’t say he’s not just the best I’ve ever played with, but the best of all time.”

The admiration, however, came alongside an honest acknowledgement of the challenges that accompanied playing in Ronaldo’s orbit. Morata admitted that during his first stint at Real Madrid, adjusting to the standards Ronaldo imposed on those around him was not straightforward. “In the first [stint], I was very young and perhaps I wasn’t used to the demands that a player of his level imposes,” he explained. “There are times when, perhaps, a kid who comes off the bench… shoots at the goal because his friends or family are in the stadium. It’s normal that the demand is incredible, but with me he always had exceptional treatment.”

Morata’s comments arrive during a significant period for both men. Ronaldo, now 41, has declared Portugal ready to compete at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the tournament currently under way in North America. Portugal recently defeated Nigeria in their opening fixture, with Ronaldo reaffirming his intention to feature prominently in what many expect to be his final World Cup campaign.

Morata, meanwhile, made the move to Turkish club Galatasaray in January 2026 following his departure from AC Milan, continuing a career that has taken him through Juventus, Chelsea, Atletico Madrid, and the Spanish national team, with whom he won UEFA Euro 2024.

The GOAT debate in football remains one of the sport’s most contested discussions, with Ronaldo and Lionel Messi traditionally occupying the two central positions in the argument. Morata’s assessment, drawn from direct personal experience at the highest level of club football, adds a considered first-hand perspective to a conversation that shows no sign of concluding.