Published: February 5, 2026 at 8:59 pm
Widely regarded as the greatest footballer of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo has an enviable horde of trophies, awards and records in his collection. But there is one big prize that is missing. And that is the FIFA World Cup. Knowing his highly competitive and motivated nature, he will go all out to bag that final laurel when the World Cup takes place later this year.
Ronaldo is celebrating his 41st birthday on Thursday (he was born on February 5, 1985) but he is still as enthusiastic and ambitious as he was when he first stepped onto the football fields as a 17-year-old, representing his first professional team named Sporting Clube de Portugal which is the B team of Sporting Lisbon.
The club has a small ground with a maximum capacity to hold about 1100 spectators. So, perhaps a small number of spectators saw a tall and awkward young lad wearing the white and green striped jersey, play in two games for the club without doing anything outstanding. Little did they know that this boy would one day rule international football arenas and be hailed as the uncrowned King of world football.
Ronaldo is celebrating his 41st birthday on Thursday (he was born on February 5, 1985) but he is still as enthusiastic and ambitious as he was when he first stepped onto the football fields as a 17-year-old, representing his first professional team named Sporting Clube de Portugal which is the B team of Sporting Lisbon. Pic: beinsports.com
As of 2026, Ronaldo has won 34 senior trophies in his career. He has also attained one title from youth and at least five titles from friendly competitions. All in all, he has won more than 300 trophies and medals.
His longevity in the game is astonishing. Even now, at the age of 40 plus, he can outplay opponents who are 20 years younger than him. 25-year-old Norwegian striker Erling Haaland, the superstar goal-scorer of European football and the English Premier League, said about Ronaldo: “He is about 16 years older than me. Yet I cannot match his speed and ball control.”
What makes him such an extraordinary player?
Thomas Edison, one of the most prolific inventors and scientists in history, once said: “Success is one percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration.” Cristiano Ronaldo is living proof of the accuracy of Edison’s statement.
His remarkable longevity in professional football can be attributed not just to his natural talent, but to an exceptionally disciplined lifestyle and dedication to fitness that he has maintained throughout his career.
As of 2026, Ronaldo has won 34 senior trophies in his career. He has also attained one title from youth and at least five titles from friendly competitions. All in all, he has won more than 300 trophies and medals. Pic: Saudi Pro League
From an early stage of his career, Ronaldo realised that fitness is not a temporary effort but a way of life. He adopted strict routines, consistency, and mental focus to create the backbone for his success. He understood that a disciplined lifestyle and mental conditioning is just as important as physical workouts.
This holistic approach has helped Ronaldo to acquire a sculpted body, sustain low body fat, high muscle mass, and explosive physical capacities that is comparable to much younger athletes.
Ronaldo follows a disciplined diet
Ronaldo also follows an intensely disciplined diet. He doesn’t drink or take drugs. For more than two decades he has cut sugar out of his diet completely. It may be recalled that a few years ago, during a press conference, he pushed away bottles of Coca Cola that had been placed on the table. He did not want to be associated with a sugary drink that has no health values. That single gesture by Ronaldo caused the company’s stocks to plummet. Such is the influence that the footballer wields.
Another aspect of Ronaldo’s life and career that is obvious is his close ties to his family. He is totally a family-oriented person. Pic: Arab News PK
The striker has close ties to family
Another aspect of his life and career that is obvious is his close ties to his family. He is totally a family-oriented person.
Ronaldo was born on the Portuguese island of Madeira, and he was the fourth child of Maria Dolores Aveiro, who was a cook and Jose Dinis Aveiro, a gardener employed by the municipality. His father Dinis had earlier served in the Portuguese Army during the Portuguese Colonial War and saw combat in Angola. The man was traumatized by his experiences as a soldier which led to his habitual alcoholism.
Mother sacrificed everything for Ronaldo’s career
Deeply attached to his parents, Ronaldo tried hard to cure his father’s addiction but unfortunately the father died due to alcohol related health problems. Prior to that, when Ronaldo’s football skills were blossoming, he was sent to mainland Portugal to develop his football career. There he often felt lonely and homesick. Having grown up on an island he spoke with a different accent and the other boys made fun of him. He had no friends and longed to drop his football career and return home.
At that crucial stage, his mother quit her job and went to live with him in Portugal. It was she who encouraged him day and night and motivated the young lad to keep going even though the circumstances were difficult.
Ronaldo credits his mom with making him who he is, openly sharing that she is the primary motivation behind his achievements. Pic: LatestLY
Ronaldo has often stated that his mother sacrificed her life, sometimes going hungry to ensure he could eat and pursue his football career. After amassing a massive wealth, he has ensured his mother lives near him, viewing it as his duty to care for her. He credits her with making him who he is, openly sharing that she is the primary motivation behind his achievements.
Now Ronaldo has children of his own for whom he cares very deeply. Even in public, when he interacts with other children, his love for the little ones is easily visible. It is these traditional values and his single-minded commitment to his game and lifestyle that have enabled him to rise to the top of world football and remain there for longer than any of the great names who have graced the sport.
