Odegaard praises Ronaldo’s influence on his growth as Arsenal captain
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard said Cristiano Ronaldo’s professional attitude helped shape his development during their time together at Real Madrid from 2015 to 2018. Speaking to TV2 after Portugal’s 2-1 Nations League win over Norway on Sunday, Odegaard explained that the Portuguese star’s preparation, work ethic and willingness to advise younger teammates left a lasting impression. He recalled that Ronaldo and the Real Madrid first‑team squad looked after him when he was a 16‑year‑old, giving him advice and support that accelerated his growth.
Odegaard noted that watching Ronaldo train for big games taught him what it takes to compete at the highest level. During their spell at Los Blancos, the club won three Champions League titles, a La Liga championship, two Super Cups, two Club World Cups and a Spanish Super Cup. The Norwegian also featured on loan or with the reserve team for parts of that period.
For young Nigerian athletes, Odegaard’s story highlights the value of learning from experienced professionals, whether through direct mentorship or observing elite standards. It underscores that attitude and preparation often matter as much as raw talent.
What specific habits or attitudes have you adopted from a mentor or role model to improve your own performance in sports, academics or work?