--- title: "Ronaldo's Post-Ballon d'Or Training Session: A Glimpse into His Unyielding Work Ethic" description: "Real Madrid assistant Davide Ancelotti shares a revealing anecdote about Cristiano Ronaldo's obsessive professionalism after winning the 2014 Ballon d'Or." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/davide-ancelotti-on-ronaldo-he-has-a-unique-work-ethic-wh-mp3x4m53 published: 2026-05-13T08:43:50+00:00 updated: 2026-05-13T12:48:06.581+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["soccer"] --- # Ronaldo's Post-Ballon d'Or Training Session: A Glimpse into His Unyielding Work Ethic > Real Madrid assistant Davide Ancelotti shares a revealing anecdote about Cristiano Ronaldo's obsessive professionalism after winning the 2014 Ballon d'Or. Davide Ancelotti, son of Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti, revealed a telling story about Cristiano Ronaldo's work ethic. Speaking about the Portuguese superstar, Ancelotti recalled that after winning the 2014 Ballon d'Or, Ronaldo allowed himself a single glass of champagne to celebrate. Yet, without missing a beat, he showed up for the very next training session and requested an extra workout to compensate for the indulgence. This anecdote underscores the relentless discipline that defined Ronaldo's career and offers a rare, behind-the-scenes glimpse into the mentality that kept him at the top of world football for over a decade. Ancelotti's account is a specific, credible, first-hand account from inside the Real Madrid coaching staff that crystallizes the obsessive professionalism that separated Ronaldo from his peers. Ronaldo's insistence on an additional training load sent a clear message to teammates and staff: personal milestones never trump collective preparation. In a locker room where star power can breed complacency, his choice to double down on effort reinforced a culture of accountability that rippled through the squad. The episode also illustrates a broader pattern among elite athletes—celebrations are brief, but the pursuit of excellence is relentless. By treating a single glass of champagne as a minor blip rather than a justification for rest, Ronaldo modeled the marginal gains mindset that underpins sustained performance at the highest level. Furthermore, this incident highlights the importance of leadership by example in a team setting. Ronaldo, as one of the most prominent players in the world, understood that his actions would be scrutinized and emulated by his teammates. By choosing to prioritize training over celebration, he demonstrated a commitment to the team's success that transcended individual accolades. This kind of leadership can have a profound impact on team dynamics, fostering an environment where players feel motivated to push themselves beyond their perceived limits. In addition, the story of Ronaldo's post-Ballon d'Or training session serves as a reminder that even the most accomplished athletes must continually strive for improvement. In an era where player development and sports science are increasingly sophisticated, the margins between success and failure are often razor-thin. Ronaldo's dedication to his craft, as exemplified by his actions after winning the Ballon d'Or, underscores the necessity of relentless effort and attention to detail in order to maintain a competitive edge at the highest level. ## Why this matters This anecdote provides a unique insight into Cristiano Ronaldo's work ethic, showcasing his obsessive professionalism and discipline. It humanizes a player who is often revered for his incredible talent and achievements, making him more relatable to fans. ## Frequently asked ### What did Cristiano Ronaldo do after winning the 2014 Ballon d'Or? According to Davide Ancelotti, Ronaldo allowed himself a single glass of champagne to celebrate, but then showed up for the next training session and requested an extra workout to compensate for the indulgence. ### Who shared the anecdote about Ronaldo's work ethic? Davide Ancelotti, son of Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti, shared the anecdote about Ronaldo's work ethic. ### What does this anecdote reveal about Ronaldo's work ethic? This anecdote reveals Ronaldo's relentless discipline and obsessive professionalism, which defined his career and kept him at the top of world football for over a decade. ### Why is this anecdote significant? This anecdote is significant because it provides a specific, credible, first-hand account from inside the Real Madrid coaching staff, crystallizing the obsessive professionalism that separated Ronaldo from his peers. ## Sources & Citations - [Davide Ancelotti on Ronaldo: “He has a unique work ethic. When he won the 2014 Ballon d’Or, Cristiano treated himself to a glass of champagne to celebrate. Then, at the first training session after the award, he asked for an extra session to make up for it.”](https://www.reddit.com/r/soccer/comments/1tbtq6a/davide_ancelotti_on_ronaldo_he_has_a_unique_work/) — r/soccer (2026-05-13) --- Cite: Ronaldo's Post-Ballon d'Or Training Session: A Glimpse into His Unyielding Work Ethic. Sportopod, 2026-05-13. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/davide-ancelotti-on-ronaldo-he-has-a-unique-work-ethic-wh-mp3x4m53