Paulo Sergio on young Cristiano Ronaldo: 'His will to win was extraordinary'

Paulo Sergio, who played alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at Sporting’s academy between 1999 and 2003, has shared fresh insights into the Portuguese star's formative years. Sergio notes that as early as age 15, Ronaldo’s relentless mindset and competitive drive were already clearly defined.

According to Sergio, the young Ronaldo would consistently stay late after training to hone his skills, tricks, and free-kicks. Alongside teammate Jose Semedo, he would even sneak into the gym for extra weightlifting sessions, defying team rules. "It showed that even then, as a kid, he had the mindset he later became known for. He was different," Sergio recalled.

He was very fast. He was lean, not a gram of fat on him. But he was strong for his age, too. He could beat his marker using his physicality. Paulo Sergio

While his dedication was unparalleled, Ronaldo’s intensity occasionally caused friction with teammates who couldn't match his high standards. Despite this, Sergio highlights that off the pitch, Ronaldo was a natural prankster who enjoyed helping his peers and sharing a laugh.

Reflecting on their time together, Sergio notes that Ronaldo's early ability to run at defenders and his striking technique were clear indicators of a future first-team player. While he could not have foreseen the scale of the global icon Ronaldo would eventually become, the foundation of his elite career was undoubtedly laid on the pitches of Lisbon.