Jaloliddin Masharipov: Ronaldo is a simple person, a legend and a friendly teammate

In recent days, the “Nobel” YouTube channel has been releasing interviews with the players of the Uzbekistan national team, who have qualified for the 2026 World Cup, further inspiring football fans. Among these, the words and memories of our football star and experienced attacking player Jaloliddin Masharipov attracted special attention.

Masharipov, in particular, shared with fans the moments when he played together with the world football legend Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi club “Al-Nassr”. According to him, Ronaldo is not as arrogant as we see on TV, but a simple, open-hearted, and friendly person.

“Many people say different things about him, but in reality, he is a person who respects his teammates, is kind, and honest. He even asked me about Uzbekistan, about local football. One day he even joked: ‘You must be a fan of Messi, why don’t you talk to me?’” says Masharipov.

There were also rumors in the team regarding the number 7. However, the footballer himself denied these talks: “When the club president told me about Ronaldo’s possible arrival, I immediately realized that the number 7 should be given to him. After all, he is one of the most famous number 7s in world football. I only respect him, and the rumors that he wanted to kick me out of the team are not true.”

When Masharipov played against “Al-Nassr” in the AFC Champions League, Cristiano Ronaldo himself came up and showed sincere attitude, once again proving his humanity and true sporting spirit.

31-year-old Jaloliddin Masharipov began his football career at the “Pakhtakor” academy, then played for “Lokomotiv”, UAE’s “Shabab Al-Ahli”, Saudi Arabia’s “Al-Nassr”, Greece’s “Panserraikos”, and is currently a legionnaire at Iran’s “Esteghlal”. Since 2016, he has been representing the Uzbekistan national team, playing 74 matches and scoring 13 goals.

For such a player, to play in the same team with Ronaldo and to see his best human qualities up close is, of course, a great experience and a source of pride. Jaloliddin’s sincere and interesting conversation became a useful lesson for fans: every legend also has great qualities of humanity and sincerity.