Why Did Real Madrid Ignore Ronaldo on His 34th Birthday?

Real Madrid's decision not to publicly acknowledge Cristiano Ronaldo's 34th birthday in February 2019 sparked considerable discussion among fans and analysts. The absence of a public message was interpreted by many as a sign of disrespect towards a player who had achieved legendary status at the club. There are several reasons behind this situation, ranging from the departure context, changing dynamics, to club policies.

Departure Context

Ronaldo left Real Madrid for Juventus in the summer of 2018 after nine successful years with the club. His departure was somewhat abrupt, and there were mixed feelings among fans and the club regarding the move. Some felt that the club did not part on the best terms, which may have influenced their decision not to celebrate his birthday.

Changing Dynamics

After Ronaldo's departure, Real Madrid was transitioning to a new era with different players and a focus on rebuilding. The club may have wanted to shift attention away from past legends to emphasize their current squad and future direction. This shift can be seen as an attempt to maintain a certain narrative or image.

Club Policy

There have been instances where clubs have chosen not to publicly celebrate former players' milestones if the departure was contentious or if the player had moved to a rival club. This can be an attempt to maintain a certain narrative or image. Given the competitive nature of football, it's important for clubs to manage their public image carefully.

Beyond Real Madrid: A Broader Context

It's not just Real Madrid; there's a broader trend in Spanish football that doesn't appreciate their legends as much as English clubs do. This is highlighted by comments from fans and analysts, such as the opinion that Xavi and Iniesta did not receive the fanfare and love from Barcelona they deserved. The attitude towards legends can vary widely across different clubs and cultures.

One fan's perspective is that if these legends didn't deserve more fanfare and love from their former clubs, then Ronaldo may not either. Another point argues that Real Madrid are bigger than any player who set his feet at the Bernabéu, emphasizing that respect is a two-way street. The club could have shown courtesy by celebrating Ronaldo's birthday, but they didn't have to as Ronaldo had already received the financial rewards for his contributions.

These perspectives highlight the complex relationship between players and clubs, where respect, financial rewards, and public image all come into play. The way clubs choose to honor past legends can be seen as a statement about their values and priorities.