The Real Madrid of yesteryear was a force to be reckoned with, a team brimming with some of the world’s greatest footballers.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Sergio Ramos, Gareth Bale, and Marcelo were part of a talented squad that could consistently churn out trophies. What this group of players also had was team chemistry, and that they understood each other on the pitch.
Though that legendary squad has since scattered across the globe, the aspect of the bonds developed off the pitch, and the friendships, still remain.
One of those stories of incredible friendship is between Ronaldo and Marcelo. It was a bond forged through 332 games together for Los Blancos.
When Ronaldo and Marcelo played for Real Madrid, their partnership on the left flank was as iconic as it was effective. The two had incredible communication and link-up play. While the attacking flair and on pitch qualities were there to see, the friendship between the Brazilian and Portuguese was also unshakeable- a brotherhood of sorts that extended beyond football.
We all know how special of a bond that was, but what might have gone unnoticed is another friendship growing between their sons, Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. and Enzo Alves, who seem to be following in their footsteps.
Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. and Enzo Alves, seem to have developed a bond that mirrors that of their famous dads.
The boys were often seen playing together after matches or during trophy celebrations, running around the Santiago Bernabéu pitch with the kind of carefree joy only children can experience.
It doesn’t feel long ago that the two of them were little kids enjoying and celebrating while their fathers basked in their own glory of victory.
Time, of course, has flown by. Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcelo have both moved on from their Real Madrid days—Ronaldo first to Turin with Juventus and now to Saudi Arabia with Al Nassr, while Marcelo has returned to Brazil with Fluminense.
And with that not just Ronaldo and Marcelo, but even their children moved apart with them. Ronaldo Jr. now plays for Al Nassr’s academy, following in his father’s footsteps, while Enzo Alves has made his debut for Real Madrid B and is also part of Spain’s youth setup.
Despite the geographical distance between them, the two youngsters have made sure that their bond remains strong and they don’t drift apart.
Enzo has frequently shared posts on social media featuring himself and Cristiano Jr., often referring to him as “family” and even “twin.” It’s these words and pictures that seems to perfectly describe their relationship—more than just friends, they’ve grown up together like brothers.
Just a few days ago, the two friends reunited, with Enzo sharing a snapshot of them outside what seems to be either a house or a restaurant. He posted it on his Instagram story, where they’re seen standing together, captioned with the words “Day one”—a nod to the fact that Cristiano Jr. has been by his side from the very start.
Though they may not be kicking around a ball on the same patch of grass anymore, they’ve maintained their friendship, with the same love and connection that they shared as young boys.
As they forge their individual careers, it’s exciting to imagine what the future holds. Could we one day see Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. and Enzo Alves playing together, just like their fathers did? Or are we just reminiscing the good old days of Ronaldo and Marcelo causing chaos on the left flank?
Much like the unforgettable Ronaldo-Marcelo partnership at Real Madrid, Cristiano Jr. and Enzo’s story seems destined to grow, regardless of where football takes them.