Ronaldo was still in awe of David Beckham's ridiculous assist years after retirement

The two Galacticos played together for four years between 2003 and 2007, winning the title in a squad that contained an embarrassment of riches.

Their inability to land more trophies was in part thanks to the competitive nature of Spanish football at the time, with Real Zaragoza competing at the top.

Madrid met them in the 2005/06 Copa del Rey semi-finals with one of their best chances of winning silverware and somehow got thumped in the first leg away from home 6-1.

Already out of the Champions League at the last-16 stage courtesy of Arsenal, and well adrift of league leaders Barcelona, the cup was Madrid's last shot at a trophy for the season, and they gave it their best.

Back at the Bernabeu, Madrid were two goals up within four minutes through Cicinho and Robinho, and Zaragoza legs were shaking.

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Then, out of nowhere came the pass of a lifetime from Beckham.

On the far touchline, just ahead of the centre circle, he shaped to cross to Ronaldo despite the striker having two centre-backs either side of him.

Yet despite the impossibility of picking him out, Beckham did so with an incredible trademark bending cross, which Ronaldo stretched to prod in.

Ronaldo was quickly in the net, picking the ball up in the ninth minute, running back to the centre circle, giving Beckham his trademark grin.

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For England fans of a new generation, it might have been reminiscent of Trent Alexander-Arnold's pass to Bukayo Saka in the 7-0 win over North Macedonia, with the Arsenal youngster delighted by the Liverpool star's vision and technique.

But despite Los Blancos needing two more goals in 81 minutes, only one more came in the 60th through Roberto Carlos, seeing Zaragoza hold on and reach a final where they lost 4-1 to Espanyol.

Beckham and Ronaldo might not have won the trophies they hoped together, but they still made a lasting impression on each other.

After retirement, both legends went in to ownership, with Beckham founding MLS side Inter Miami and Ronaldo buying Spanish club Real Valladolid.

The two took part in an Instagram Live chat during lockdown in 2020, and the respect was still endless.

Discussing their instant friendship, Beckham said: "Moving from Manchester to Madrid was a big move for me. But one of the first people that I ever saw was you.

"When you walked into the changing room it made me feel comfortable to be in the club."

Ronaldo replied: "You were amazing. We used to say in Brazil that you are 'O Mundo Porra' [the f***ing world]."

Beckham then said: "I remember Roberto [Carlos] turning round to me or you turning round to me and saying 'we would always say in the Brazil team that if there was any English player than could play in the Brazilian team it would be you.'

"I never believed you! But thank you."

Ronaldo replied: "Why, man? You should!"

Beckham then explained: "Because Brazilian players are the best players, you know that."

Then Ronaldo dished out his biggest compliment, saying: "For me, and this is the truth, you were one of the best of all time in the centre.

"The way you touch the ball, you could put the ball wherever you want, and without looking at me, I was just moving and the ball would come.

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"I should thank you for many balls you gave to me. You were amazing."

He then joked: "In exchange I gave you many Guarana! [Brazilian soft drink]."