Ronaldo‘s 2009 Clash with Marseille Defender Sidibé Leads to Lengthy Injury, Vengeful Return
MARSEILLE, FRANCE – A fiery Champions league tie between Real Madrid and Olympique de marseille in 2009 resulted in a significant injury for Cristiano Ronaldo, stemming from a hard foul by Marseille defender Souleymane Diawara. The incident, occurring during the first leg, sidelined Ronaldo for several weeks and fueled a compelling narrative of retribution in the return match.
Real Madrid’s 2009 season, despite heavy investment in players like Ronaldo, Kaká, Benzema, Xabi Alonso, and Arbeloa, proved largely disappointing with defeats in la Liga, the Copa del rey, and the Champions League.However, Ronaldo’s individual performance shone, contributing 102 goals as Madrid amassed 96 points in the league.
The initial encounter between Real Madrid and Marseille saw Ronaldo score twice, but the match is remembered for a particularly aggressive challenge from Diawara. In the 60th minute, Diawara was sent off for a dangerous foul on Ronaldo, resulting in a penalty for Madrid. According to Spanish newspaper AS, Diawara claimed Ronaldo had been deliberately provoking him.
“Before the start of the match, he made many dribbles that are useless. Finally if, thay were used for something… But I would say that he did it to humiliate us,” Diawara reportedly said.
The defender further recounted a direct exchange with Ronaldo prior to the foul: “I looked at him and said to him: ‘Don’t play with me, I’m not your son.’ He then smiled while making fun of me. So on this action, I decided not to let it pass. I warned him.”
Diawara stood by his actions, stating, “I’m sorry for Cristiano but I would do the same entrance again. The game is like this, If I had to do it again, I would do it again. […] I’m going to get the ball, but I do it strongly.”
The foul forced Ronaldo to miss Liga matches from the sixth to the eleventh day – one of the longest absences of his career.
The return leg at the Vélodrome provided Ronaldo with an possibility for payback. He scored a brace, including a goal following a collision between himself, Diawara, and Marseille goalkeeper Steve Mandanda. The ball fell favorably to Ronaldo, allowing him to score.
