Davide Ancelotti reveals what Ronaldo did after winning 2014 Ballon d’Or: ‘One flute’ | OneFootball

Davide Ancelotti, son and assistant to Carlo Ancelotti, has shared an incredible anecdote about five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo and his work ethic, revealing that he requested extra training sessions after winning the award in 2014 in order to ‘make up for’ his rather sensible celebration.

Davide Ancelotti on Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘unique’ work ethic

Davide Ancelotti is currently serving as assistant coach to his father, Carlo, with the Brazil national team. He has previously worked alongside his dad at Real Madrid, PSG, Bayern Munich, Napoli and Everton.

The 36-year-old sat down for an in-depth discussion on La Gazzetta dello Sport’s Triplete podcast, discussing all things Brazil, Madrid and Serie A.

SAO PAULO, BRAZIL – NOVEMBER 30:Davide Ancelotti, head coach of Botafogo gestures during a Brasileirao 2025 match between Corinthians and Botafogo at Neo Quimica Arena on November 30, 2025 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Alexandre Schneider/Getty Images)

During his chat with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Davide Ancelotti told a remarkable story about Ronaldo, whom he described as the most impressive and dedicated player he has ever worked with.

He revealed that after winning the Ballon d’Or in 2014, Ronaldo allowed himself one singular drink to celebrate, and then returned to Madrid seeking extra sessions to make up for it.

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND – JANUARY 12: FIFA Ballon d’Or nominees Lionel Messi of Argentina and FC Barcelona (L) and Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal and Real Madrid smile during the FIFA Ballon d’Or Gala 2014 at the Kongresshaus on January 12, 2015 in Zurich, Switzerland. (Photo by Philipp Schmidli/Getty Images)

“He has a unique work ethic,” Davide Ancelotti recalled. “When he won the 2014 Ballon d’Or, Cristiano allowed himself one flute of champagne to celebrate. Then, at the first training session after the award, he asked for an extra session to make up for it.”

Click here to read the full interview with Davide Ancelotti.