World soccer

Fabio Capello: “Ronaldo only thinks about women!”

The legendary Italian coach has shared forthright views on Ronaldo, Cruyff and Balotelli, and spoken of his deep connection to Madrid.

Héctor Pérez Roddy Cons

Update: May 4th, 2026 05:25 EDT

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Fabio Capello is one of soccer’s most recognizable figures, a man whose résumé as both player and coach speaks for itself. Over decades in the game, the Italian built a reputation as one of the sport’s sharpest minds. Speaking at the Teatro Comunale in Ferrara, Capello looked back on a long and eventful career filled with iconic moments and even more memorable personalities.

Capello’s view on “incredible” but “arrogant” Cruyff

Reflecting on his playing days, Capello didn’t hesitate when asked about the best player he ever shared the field with.

“The best player I played with was Rivera,” he said, referring to Italian legend Gianni Rivera.

He also offered a candid take on Johan Cruyff, praising his brilliance on the field and his intelligence as a coach, while taking a swipe at his personality.

“As a player, he was incredible. As a coach, very good. But as a person, he was arrogant, like the Dutch who think they know everything.”

Talent wasted: Cassano and Balotelli

The conversation shifted to his time on the sidelines, where Capello managed some of the game’s most gifted but unpredictable players.

“Cassano pulled so many stunts that I can’t even remember them all,” Capello said. “Along with Balotelli, they are two examples of talent that went to waste.”

Both players were widely regarded as generational talents, but their careers often fell short of expectations due to off-field issues.

Fabio Capello: “Ronaldo only thinks about women!” — Ronaldo and Capello during their time together at Real Madrid.

Ronaldo at Real Madrid: “A negative leader”

Capello also revisited his time at Real Madrid, a chapter he described as complicated. He admitted that leaving the Spanish giants to return to AC Milan was “the biggest mistake” of his coaching career.

Still, his tenure in Madrid brought him into contact with some of the biggest names in soccer history, including Brazilian superstar Ronaldo.

Capello recalled a telling exchange when Ronaldo arrived in Spain.

“I asked him, ‘How much did you weigh when you won the World Cup?’ He said 84 kilos. ‘And now?’ 94.”

For Capello, the issue went beyond fitness.

“He was a negative leader. He didn’t train the way he should and dragged his teammates down. Together with the president, we decided to let him go.”

The Berlusconi call that sealed Ronaldo’s move

Capello also shared details of Ronaldo’s eventual transfer to AC Milan, revealing a conversation with then-club president Silvio Berlusconi.

“Berlusconi called me and asked, ‘How is Ronaldo?’ I said, ‘President, he’s good, but he’s not a good example. He’s always at the nightclub, he’s gained weight. He only thinks about women.’”

Shortly after that conversation, Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that Ronaldo would be joining Milan.

A lasting bond with Madrid

Capello closed by reflecting on the many places his career took him, often with his wife by his side. Despite his global journey, one city still stands out.

“Madrid, I have a unique connection with this city,” he said.

It is a fitting final note from a man who left his mark across Europe, even if some chapters still come with a hint of regret.