From the first moment Luka Modrić put on the white shirt at Real Madrid, side by side with Cristiano Ronaldo, fans wondered: beyond the mutual respect and shared trophies, are Modric and Ronaldo friends? Their on-field chemistry, off-field messages, and personal statements over the years suggest a bond dee, and answer once and for all: yes, they are friends—albeit in a uniquely professional way.
The Genesis: From Teammates to Allies
When Modrić arrived at Real Madrid in 2012, Cristiano Ronaldo was already an established star in the Galácticos. Over the next six seasons, they would share countless battles—La Liga titles, Champions League triumphs, and Real Madrid’s dominance across Europe. Their pairing in midfield and attack was a critical piece in Real’s golden era, building not just tactical synergy but interpersonal rapport.
It was during these years that the foundations of trust and mutual respect were laid. In public reflections, Modrić recalled those Real Madrid years as six “wonderful years” in which they “developed friendship” and “mutual respect,” and emphasized that they continued to stay in touch through messages even after Ronaldo’s departure.
The environment of success—training sessions, locker rooms, trips, trophy nights—naturally accelerates bonds. But more than proximity, it was their mutual professionalism, soft leadership, and consistent performances that cemented the relationship.
Public Statements & Warm Gestures
To test whether are Modric and Ronaldo friends, the clearest evidence lies in what they’ve said, done, and how they’ve behaved publicly.
Modrić Speaks on Ronaldo
On multiple occasions, Modrić has addressed questions about their relationship:
- He once stated, “I have a good relationship with him … we get on well, we’ll continue to do so, nothing will change” after rumors surfaced over awards and tensions.
- He also commented that they maintained messages even after Ronaldo left Real Madrid, showing ongoing communication.
- In another note, he underlined that rumors about strain were overblown, and insisted he will “never play with Messi” but would always respect Ronaldo.
These remarks consistently affirm a cordial, ongoing friendship rather than a forced media façade.
Ronaldo’s Tributes And Emotional Notes
Ronaldo, too, has left no shortage of warmth in public messages toward Modrić:
- Upon Modrić’s Real Madrid exit, Ronaldo posted: “Thank you for everything, Luka. It was an honor to share so many moments at this club with you.”
- He described their time together as having “so many moments” and emphasized his pride in having been teammates.
- After matches between Portugal and Croatia, cameras captured a genuine embrace between the two, devoid of ceremony, suggesting a natural emotional connection.
These gestures speak not only of respect but of genuine care.
On the Pitch: Embraces, Conversations, Chemistry
During friendly matches even after their eras as teammates, they’ve met with warm greetings, hugs, and shared moments on the pitch. For example, after a Portugal vs. Croatia friendly, Ronaldo and Modrić locked in a heartfelt embrace displayed publicly—a signal to fans that their bond was more than professional.
In their time together at Real, they not only aligned in tactics but often mirrored each other’s work ethic, sacrifice, and temperament—creating a foundation for friendship in the football world, with its intense demands.
What Friendship Means in the Elite Football Context
In the world of elite football, “friendship” among stars is rarely a casual coffee-and-catch-up relationship. It carries constraints—schedules, geography, ego, club rivalries. The friendship between Modrić and Ronaldo must be contextualized within the professional world they inhabit.
Here’s how their relationship aligns with a more realistic model of friendship in football:
| Element | Evidence | Interpretation |
| Mutual respect and empathy | Public praise, tributes, warm wording | A foundation deeper than mere teammates |
| Continued communication | Messages exchanged after Ronaldo’s departure | Suggests ongoing personal regard |
| Shared history and trust | Years together at Real Madrid during peak years | Shared trials, successes, conflict—it forges bonds |
| Emotional warmth in public | Hugs, smiles, tributes | Not obligatory, but naturally expressed |
| Professional measurements | They rarely live in the same country now | Their closeness is maintained despite distance |
Thus, their friendship is not like childhood pals, but rather one forged in elite competition, mutual admiration, and shared memories.
Why Some Doubt Their Bond
Given their stature, it’s natural fans and media sometimes over-analyze. Some doubts arise from:
- Competitive nature & media narratives: When Modrić won individual awards over Ronaldo, speculation flared about envy or tension.
- Geographical and career divergence: Ronaldo’s journey beyond Spain, including Juventus and now Al-Nassr, means the two live in different football worlds.
- The celebrity lens: Every gesture is dissected; silence is interpreted as coldness.
- Lack of frequent personal appearances: Unlike childhood or domestic friendships, they aren’t constantly seen together socially.
However, both athletes have consistently addressed or rebutted rumors, emphasizing a continuing amicable relationship.
Are Modric And Ronaldo Friends Today?
Yes — with nuance. Are Modric and Ronaldo friends? They have established a friendship grounded in respect, mutual history, and emotional gestures. Though they no longer share a locker room, their ongoing communications and heartfelt public messages prove the relationship remains alive.
This is not a bromance broadcasted daily, but an elite sportsman’s friendship: measured, respectful, less visible in daily life, but durable in essence.
Legacy of a Shared Era
Their partnership at Real Madrid produced countless trophies—La Liga titles, multiple Champions Leagues. They influenced each other’s careers. More than that, they created memories in the white jersey that cemented their names in club legend. Their personal connection is inseparable.
That shared era—full of pressure, triumph, heartbreak, rivalry—is the bedrock on which their friendship now stands. And even as both careers continue on separate paths, that bond persists.
Conclusion
Are Modric and Ronaldo friends? Absolutely — with the kind of mature, enduring bond shaped by competition, respect, and shared triumphs. Their friendship is not built on constant proximity or casual hangouts, but on genuine admiration and history.
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