Cristiano Ronaldo has officially celebrated a remarkable milestone: his 40th birthday. The Al-Nassr star continues to demonstrate that age is merely a number as he aims to redefine the limits of athleticism.
Ronaldo, a legend of the Champions League Hall of Fame, turned 40 on Wednesday, showcasing that elite performances can extend well beyond traditional expectations.
Legends Who Played Beyond 40
Numerous football legends have successfully continued their careers past the age of 40, with Gianluigi Buffon retiring at 45 and Paolo Maldini and Ryan Giggs thriving well into their 40s. Zlatan Ibrahimović scored for AC Milan at the age of 41, while Pelé played until he was 42. Additionally, Japan’s Kazuyoshi Miura remains active in his 50s, proving that elite football knows no age boundaries. Ronaldo is poised to join this esteemed group.
Known as CR7, he has made over 1,200 professional career appearances—the highest by any outfield player—and has netted over 900 official senior goals for club and country, making him the all-time top goalscorer.
Unyielding Pursuit of Greatness
Ronaldo’s confidence shines through, recently stating in an interview, “I think I’m the most complete player to have existed.” He acknowledged the various preferences in football talent but asserted his belief in his unparalleled abilities.
Once a young player who contemplated retiring at 30, Ronaldo has since outperformed himself in his 30s, scoring 460 goals compared to the 440 he achieved in his 20s, thereby redefining longevity in football.
Reflecting on his past, former Portugal teammate Costinha recalled Ronaldo’s early ambition to retire at 30. Two decades later, Ronaldo continues to surpass expectations.
What’s Next? The 40s Blueprint
Despite assumptions that he may slow down, Ronaldo remains fiercely ambitious.
His goals include:
- Participating in the 2026 World Cup with aspirations of securing victory, further solidifying his international legacy.
- Achieving 1,000 career goals—currently at 923, this remarkable milestone is within reach given his scoring frequency.
- Reaching 250 caps for Portugal, as he is already the most-capped international player with 217 appearances and counting.
- Playing alongside his son, Cristiano Ronaldo Jr., who is progressing through Al-Nassr’s youth ranks, creating a potential dream father-son match on the field.
The Last Goal of the 30s—A Fitting Farewell
In a tribute, Al-Nassr recently shared highlights of Ronaldo’s last goal in his 30s—a stunning shot in a 4-0 victory over Al Wasl, where he scored twice. The caption read, “For the history books: the final goal of the 30s soared through Riyadh skies. #GOAT.”
The relentless pursuit of history is unyielding for Ronaldo. With the support of his former coach, who believes he can continue playing for one to three more years, the football world eagerly anticipates what the future holds for the legendary CR7.
As he enters his 40s, it is evident that Cristiano Ronaldo not only defies the passage of time but also reshapes it according to his exceptional will and prowess.
Ronaldo’s first match in his 40s will take place on Friday in the Saudi Pro League at home against Al Feiha. Currently, Al-Nassr ranks third in the league standings with 38 points, just behind Al Hilal and Al Ittihad, who lead with 46 points each.
