Odegaard hails Ronaldo as lifelong role model after Norway-Portugal clash

Abdullateef Fowewe

Arsenal captain and Norway midfielder Martin Odegaard has paid a warm tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo, describing the Portuguese superstar as a role model in every sense following their UEFA Nations League encounter.

Speaking in the mixed zone after Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Norway at Ullevaal Stadion on Sunday, Odegaard said, “Cristiano Ronaldo is someone I consider a role model in every way. He was incredibly kind to me and helped me a lot at Real Madrid. It was amazing to be around him and play with him and be close to him. It’s something that I’ll remember and carry with me for life.”

In related comments, he added that it is every kid’s dream to play with Ronaldo and that the experience of training and sharing a dressing room with him remains unforgettable.

The remarks come more than a decade after the pair were teammates at Real Madrid.

Odegaard joined Los Blancos as a highly rated 16-year-old in January 2015 from Norwegian club Strømsgodset.

He trained with the first-team squad featuring Ronaldo and made a memorable debut by replacing the Portuguese forward against Getafe.

Although limited opportunities and subsequent loans meant their time overlapping was relatively short, Odegaard has consistently credited senior players — including Ronaldo for helping the young Norwegian settle in a high-pressure environment.

Ronaldo, who did not feature in the Nations League match, remains an active force for Portugal.