Former Chelsea ace Frank Lampard revealed that he avoided football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo during a recent holiday out of physical embarrassment, with the latter’s incredible shape being an indicator of his determination, the footballer-turned-pundit insisted.

A few months before last summer’s Euro 2024 got underway, the Premier League legend was enjoying a sunny trip away with his family – as was the five-time Ballon d’Or winner during the Saudi Pro League’s mid-season hiatus.

While taking a break from his managerial career, Lampard has been enjoying a taste of punditry and, while on duty across the European Championship campaign, spoke about bumping into the Portuguese icon.

Lampard Shares Embarrassment About Ronaldo Meeting

‘I may have been sipping a beer’

Ahead of Portugal’s Euro 2024 opener against the Czech Republic, Lampard – who was on punditry duty for the BBC – revealed that he couldn’t stomach having his shirt off for a photo with the in-shape then-39-year-old, who is still plying his trade for Al-Nassr.

After Gary Lineker joked with Cesc Fabregas that the Spaniard is younger than Ronaldo, though no longer playing, Lampard relived the story of bumping into the former Real Madrid ace.

“I actually bumped into him on a holiday a few months ago. I was in the same hotel on the beach and fortunately his sun spot each day was a little down from me,” the former Everton boss insisted.

“I made sure to stay away from him because he was in incredible shape. So, I gave him a little bit of distance. I pulled him over for a picture with my son because of the incredible player he’s been, and I quickly put my T-shirt on and had a nice picture with him.

Ronaldo’s Record Against Lampard

Matches
16

Minutes
1,341

Goals
1

Wins
6

Draws
5

Losses
5

Points per Game
1.44

Waxing lyrical about his undying dedication to the beautiful game – an aspect of Ronaldo that has been praised over the years – the former midfielder revealed that he would train with his personal trainer twice a day, despite enjoying some downtime.

“And I noticed he was going to the gym twice a day with his personal trainer. It just shows you his dedication to what he does.”

Lampard then joked: “I may have been sipping a beer watching him and giving him a little ripple of applause as he walked back.”

From the infancy of his career, Ronaldo has always been revered for his physical condition. Not many can rival his dedication to the game and the fact that he continues to break records, now in his 40s, attests to just that.

Cristiano Ronaldo Underwhelmed at Euro 2024

Still aiming for 2026 World Cup with Portugal

Euro 2024 was an underwhelming tournament from Ronaldo’s point of view. Portugal topped their group, knocked Slovenia out on penalties and then lost the following round – the quarterfinals – against one of the favourites, France.

Ronaldo broke yet another record for Al-Nassr becoming the highest Saudi Pro League goalscorer in a single season

Whether he will feature at the 2026 World Cup at the age of 41 remains unknown, but knowing Ronaldo, he’ll be there in some capacity. At club level, his Al-Nassr contract expires in 2025, leaving question marks over what lies ahead for the 200+cap international.