Cover In the final on 9 June, Cristiano Ronaldo once again became the centre of attention, scoring the goal that secured the 2025 UEFA Nations League title
In the final on 9 June, Cristiano Ronaldo once again became the centre of attention, scoring the goal that secured the 2025 UEFA Nations League title
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In the final on 9 June, Cristiano Ronaldo once again became the centre of attention, scoring the goal that secured the 2025 UEFA Nations League title.
Now at 40, Ronaldo continues to deliver remarkable achievements for the Portuguese national team. Following this latest triumph, he has helped Portugal become the first country to claim the UEFA Nations League trophy twice, with the first win dating back to 2019. Roberto Martínez, head coach of the national side, affirmed that Ronaldo is the first player whose body follows the command of his mind, an attribute that allows him to compete relentlessly, even in his forties.
With his strike in the Nations League final, Ronaldo added two new accolades to his already extraordinary record: he is now the oldest player to score in a Nations League final and has brought his career goal tally to 938. That puts him just 62 goals shy of reaching the monumental 1,000-goal milestone.
Beyond his success on the pitch, Ronaldo remains a commanding presence in the world of branding. He has fronted major campaigns for names like Nike, Armani, Herbalife, TAG Heuer, and American Tourister. Most recently, he was appointed global ambassador for the Esports World Cup, touted as the world’s largest international e-sports tournament, hosted in Saudi Arabia. A further nod to his unmatched stature in the sporting world.
When iron discipline and patience are the only way to overcome limits
None of this has come by chance. Ronaldo’s path to greatness is built on an unwavering commitment to discipline and a level of patience few can match. Paul Pogba, who once played alongside him at both Manchester United and Juventus, remarked that Ronaldo’s work ethic is exceptionally rare—always training, never resting. Meanwhile, coach Carlo Ancelotti noted that Ronaldo is still in world-class form and would be an asset to any national team today.
Alongside daily training, Ronaldo follows a strict diet and prioritises a health-focused lifestyle. He once revealed that he eats up to five meals per day, spaced at intervals of two to four hours. Each meal is meticulously prepared under a nutritionist’s guidance, and he abstains entirely from alcohol. His sleep routine is just as calculated, ensuring eight hours of rest, broken into five short naps to optimise recovery.
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Thanks to this meticulous regime, Ronaldo’s appearance during the halftime break of the Nations League final, shirtless and revealing his sculpted, muscular physique, quickly went viral. His impressive form speaks volumes about his tireless discipline. Even after countless matches, he continues to display a level of strength and agility that defies his age.
Inspirational example breaks age barrier for players
At this stage in life, few in the sporting world manage to maintain such form or continue performing at the highest level. While many of his contemporaries have stepped away from competition, Ronaldo seems far from finished. He still has new goals in sight. Reports suggest that he may join Al Nassr in Hong Kong for the 2025 Saudi Arabian Super Cup, where four elite clubs, Al Nassr, Al Qadsiah, Al Hilal, and Al Ittihad, will vie for the coveted title.
Despite swirling speculation about a possible move from Al Nassr to a club competing in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, Ronaldo is widely expected to extend his contract, at least until the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup. With his eyes still firmly set on reaching the landmark of 1,000 career goals, he shows no signs of slowing down. For fans of football and of Ronaldo himself, his next goal-scoring feats promise to be just as thrilling as ever.
To emerging athletes filled with drive and ambition, Ronaldo stands as a compelling example of how to master the art of competition, recovery, and athletic discipline. At 40, his enduring success serves as proof that perseverance and patience truly do pay off. And perhaps even more significantly, he gives the next generation reason to believe that with consistent training, dedication, and self-care, they too can defy the constraints of age and reach the summit of their sporting dreams.
Important contributions to training the next generation of excellent players
While still chasing new milestones himself, Ronaldo dedicates significant time and energy to mentoring the next wave of talent.
He doesn’t just apply his rigorous regime to his own life, he’s instilled the same discipline in his son. Ronaldo Junior, who recently turned 14, has already drawn attention from the global sporting community. Standing at nearly the same height as his father, approximately 1.87m, he’s expected to surpass 1.9m soon, thanks to a tailored nutrition and training programme designed by Ronaldo himself.
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Football talent also appears to run in the family. When Ronaldo Junior joined the Portuguese U15 squad, his speed and technical ability left many in awe. In fact, it was his goal that secured Portugal U15’s championship title, an early glimpse of what may well be a stellar footballing future.
Beyond nurturing his son’s potential, Ronaldo actively supports the development of young athletes more broadly. He frequently attends youth events and fan meet-and-greets, offering heartfelt advice and encouragement that often leaves a lasting impact. His commitment extends beyond football; known as one of the sport’s most charitable figures, Ronaldo has long used his platform to support those in need. He has said that growing up in a working-class family gave him a desire to give back, and today he works with organisations like Save the Children and UNICEF to help improve lives, including those of young athletes with untapped potential.
Given his dedication both on and off the field, it comes as no surprise that Ronaldo continues to be met with admiration from fans across the globe, and with reverence from those within the sport. During the UEFA Nations League semi-final, as he walked off the pitch in the 90th minute, a standing ovation swept through the stadium. Spanish national team coach Luis de la Fuente captured the sentiment perfectly, calling Ronaldo a footballer who has defined an era, leaving behind not just a legacy, but an enduring example for athletes worldwide. While his journey has not been without its challenges, his commitment and talent remain indisputable.
