Cristiano Ronaldo gets a response! CR7’s savage ‘WTF, who is this guy?’ comment over Ballon d’Or claim played down by former Sporting team-mate

In an interview with PT Clipes last month, Paim quipped that if he had even some of the same mindset as the Manchester United and Real Madrid icon, he would have been awarded one of Ronaldo's Ballons d'Or. In reality, Paim failed to reach the world-class heights that many had anticipated. To his podcast comments, 38-year-old Ronaldo quiptively said on Instagram, "WTF. Who is this guy?"

Paim, though, believes the veteran striker and former team-mate is only having fun. He recognised that the lighthearted comment has helped the former football player regain attention from the general public.

Paim told SunSport: “I don't want to make this longer but I don't think what Cristiano said was serious, it was a joke. But it has had a good impact - people are talking about our relationship. Ronaldo is helping me as people talk about me. We played together, we were friends, we have nothing against each other. I am such a big fan of Ronaldo. It is all good. Ronaldo is trying to help me.”

Asked if he wants to meet Ronaldo again, he added: “Yes and I think it is going to happen soon. Due to all this attention, we will probably meet up.”

When Ronaldo joined Manchester United, following the pair's time together at the Sporting academy, he famously said that Paim was the only player better than him. However, their trajectories diverged greatly as Ronaldo become one of the greatest players of all time. He famously led Portugal to victory at Euro 2016 and won five Ballons d'Or and five Champions League trophies.

Paim's career, meanwhile, failed due to his lavish lifestyle, fame, and partying. It reached its lowest point when Paim was imprisoned for a year on drug trafficking charges, and had to watch from his jail window as his old friend trained with Portugal.

While Paim has already retired from professional football, his former teammate and five-time Ballon d'Or winner is still active and will soon lead his nation in the 2024 Euros. He is currently playing with Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, but won't make their upcoming AFC Champions League clash.