Cristiano Ronaldo has reached a milestone that few elite footballers ever achieve—his 40th birthday. Yet, for the Al-Nassr superstar, age remains just a number, and his mission is unchanged: breaking records and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
On Wednesday, February 5, the Portuguese football icon, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in history, turned 40. PUNCH Online reports that despite entering his fifth decade, Cristiano Ronaldo’s hunger for success remains undiminished.
Joining Football’s Evergreen Legends
Several footballing greats have extended their careers into their 40s, proving that age does not dictate success:
- Gianluigi Buffon retired at 45, maintaining his world-class level until the end.
- Paolo Maldini and Ryan Giggs played until they were 40, still making key contributions to their teams.
- Zlatan Ibrahimović continued scoring for AC Milan at 41, defying expectations.
- Pelé remained active until 42, setting an example for longevity in football.
- Japan’s Kazuyoshi Miura, now in his 50s, is still playing professionally.
Ronaldo is set to join this elite group, showing that football excellence has no expiration date.
The Most Complete Player? Ronaldo Thinks So
Never one to lack confidence, Ronaldo recently made a bold statement on Spanish television.
“I think I’m the most complete player to have ever existed,” he declared.
While fans may debate the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) status with Lionel Messi, Pele, or Maradona, Ronaldo believes that no player has been as well-rounded as him.
His stats back up this claim:
- 1,200+ professional appearances (most by an outfield player).
- 900+ career goals (the highest tally in history).
- Multiple league titles across England, Spain, and Italy.
- Five Ballon d’Or wins and five UEFA Champions League titles.
The numbers alone make his case for footballing immortality compelling.
Ronaldo’s Blueprint for the 40s: What’s Next?
Despite his age, Ronaldo’s ambitions remain sky-high. Instead of slowing down, he continues to set targets that once seemed unthinkable.
Here are his major goals for the future:
1. Playing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup—and Winning It
Already the most-capped player in international history (217 appearances and counting), Ronaldo dreams of leading Portugal to their first-ever World Cup title. If he plays in 2026, he will become one of the oldest players in tournament history.
2. Reaching 1,000 Career Goals
Currently at 923 goals, Ronaldo is just 77 goals away from reaching the legendary 1,000-goal mark. Given his consistent scoring rate, this milestone is within reach.
3. Surpassing 250 Caps for Portugal
No player has played more games for their national team than Ronaldo. With 217 caps, he is eyeing the 250 mark, further solidifying his international dominance.
4. Playing Alongside Cristiano Ronaldo Jr.
Ronaldo’s 14-year-old son, Cristiano Jr., is progressing through Al-Nassr’s youth system. If the dream father-son moment happens, it will be a historic footballing moment.
Ronaldo’s Final Goal in His 30s: A Perfect Send-Off
Late on Tuesday night, Al-Nassr paid tribute to Ronaldo’s last goal of his 30s. In a 4-0 victory over Al Wasl, he scored a sensational goal, marking the end of an era in spectacular fashion.
The club captioned the moment:
“For the history books: the final goal of the 30s soared through Riyadh skies. #GOAT.”
What’s Next? First Match in His 40s
Ronaldo’s first official game in his 40s will take place on Friday when Al-Nassr faces Al Feiha in the Saudi Pro League.
Saudi League Standings:
- 1st: Al Hilal – 46 points
- 2nd: Al Ittihad – 46 points
- 3rd: Al Nassr – 38 points
- 4th: Al Qadisiyah – 38 points
As Al-Nassr fights to climb the league table, Ronaldo will be looking to add more goals to his already incredible tally.
Ronaldo’s Timeless Legacy
As Luis Castro, his former Al-Nassr coach, put it:
“He can play for another one, two, or even three years.”
At 40, Cristiano Ronaldo remains a global football phenomenon. He has defied time, redefined longevity, and inspired generations.
While many expected him to fade, Ronaldo continues to bend time to his will, proving that the legend of CR7 is far from over.
