Overview

• Speaking on Rio Ferdinand’s podcast, Rooney said he does not hate Cristiano Ronaldo, adding “I love him” and praising him as “an absolute genius.”
• Rooney maintained he prefers Messi’s style but said he cannot separate the two all-time greats and suggested Ronaldo’s longevity could shape future judgments.
• Rooney cited Ronaldo’s prolific late-career output, pointing to top-scorer seasons in Saudi Arabia and his strong start with Al Nassr in 2025–26.
• The pair were close at Manchester United from 2004 to 2009, winning three Premier League titles and the Champions League under Sir Alex Ferguson.
• Coverage frames Rooney’s remarks as an effort to cool a public rift dating to 2021–22, including Ronaldo’s Piers Morgan interview, with no new response from Ronaldo reported.