Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates 40th birthday with 923 goals
The Portuguese legend eyes 1,000 goals and new ventures beyond football
Today marks the 40th birthday of one of football's greatest ever icons, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Currently playing for Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, Ronaldo has shown no signs of slowing down as he approaches a landmark of 1,000 career goals. Despite a series of unparalleled achievements, his ambition and drive remain unshaken.
Ronaldo’s career trajectory is a reflection of his unyielding determination to be the best. He reached another milestone on Monday when he scored twice in Al-Nassr’s 4-0 victory over UAE’s Al-Wasl in the AFC Champions League, bringing his career total to 923 goals. He now stands just 77 goals away from his goal of reaching the historic 1,000-goal mark. With his remarkable consistency, it's a matter of when, not if, Ronaldo will achieve this feat.
The debate about his status as the greatest player in history is one that Ronaldo is happy to fuel. "I am the greatest player in history," he confidently declared in a recent interview, citing his versatility and extensive skill set, including his prowess in aerial duels, free kicks, speed, and his remarkable left foot. “The numbers speak for themselves," he added.
A career spanning two decades
Born on February 5, 1985, in Madeira, Portugal, Ronaldo's football journey began at Sporting Lisbon before his move to Manchester United in 2003. His early years at United saw him secure the FA Cup and Premier League titles, with a standout season culminating in his first Ballon d’Or win at just 23 years old.
Ronaldo's move to Real Madrid in 2009 for a then-record €94 million (£80 million) marked the beginning of a remarkable era. He became Madrid’s all-time top scorer and led the club to four Champions League victories between 2014 and 2018. His influence was seen not only in his goals but in his leadership alongside players like Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale.
During his nine years in Madrid, Ronaldo won the Ballon d'Or four times and finished as the Champions League top scorer for six consecutive years, with 140 goals to his name. His on-field success was accompanied by an array of team trophies, including two La Liga titles, four Champions League trophies, and three FIFA Club World Cups.
Ronaldo’s journey didn't end in Madrid. In 2018, he signed with Juventus for €100 million (£88 million), becoming the most expensive player over 30 in Serie A history. His time in Italy brought two Serie A titles, two Italian Super Cups, and a Coppa Italia. He was the first player to top the scoring charts in the Premier League, La Liga, and Serie A, a testament to his adaptability and skill.
In 2021, Ronaldo made a sensational return to Manchester United, where he once again proved his worth by finishing as the club’s top scorer in his first season back. However, his second stint ended in 2022, and he moved to Al-Nassr, where he continues to excel on the international stage.
Ronaldo’s list of individual accolades is nothing short of extraordinary. Five Ballon d’Or trophies, four European Golden Shoes, and numerous other awards affirm his standing as one of football’s greatest. His international record is equally impressive: he has scored 135 goals in 217 matches for Portugal, including victories in Euro 2016 and the UEFA Nations League.
Ronaldo's Champions League legacy is cemented with 183 appearances, a record that includes six seasons as the tournament's top scorer. Additionally, he holds the record for the most goals in the UEFA European Championship, with 14 goals in 30 matches.
Cristiano Ronaldo at 40: What’s next?
Despite the achievements, Ronaldo remains driven by the desire to continue playing at the highest level. At 40, he could be excused for contemplating retirement, but he is adamant about pushing on until he feels he can no longer give his best. "I think about going for as long as possible, until I can’t give any more,” Ronaldo shared, acknowledging the proximity of retirement, yet showing no immediate signs of slowing down.
He’s already had a legendary career, but when asked about his retirement, Ronaldo suggested that it would likely come when he no longer feels motivated. He hasn’t ruled out the possibility of playing until he is 42, but he’s clear: when he loses his passion, he’ll step away.
Ronaldo's future beyond football
The inevitable question about life after football comes up frequently in interviews with the Portuguese forward. For Ronaldo, managing a team is not an appealing option. “It seems almost impossible to me,” he has stated. Instead, Ronaldo is looking towards other avenues. He has amassed a wealth of business interests, including investments in hotel chains, hair transplant clinics, sports management, and even fragrances and champagne.
One of his more recent ventures is his YouTube channel, UR Cristiano. Launched in August 2023, Ronaldo attracted an unprecedented 1 million subscribers within 90 minutes of the channel’s creation, a record that quickly grew to 15 million within a day. Five months later, Ronaldo boasts 73.5 million subscribers. The channel, which features family moments and collaborations with celebrities like MrBeast, has cemented Ronaldo’s place in the digital world, opening up new opportunities for him beyond football.
A family man
Cristiano Ronaldo’s family plays a key role in his life. He shares a strong bond with his partner, Georgina Rodríguez, and their children, with eldest son Cristiano Jr. also following in his footsteps on the football pitch. His family is central to his personal and professional life, and they frequently appear in his social media posts, sharing the highs and lows of his career with millions of fans.
As Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates 40, his career continues to shine. From breaking records to becoming a global icon, his journey is far from over. His next chapter, both in football and business, promises to be as captivating as his storied career on the pitch.