MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – AUGUST 12: Sir Alex Ferguson greets Cristiano Ronaldo as the young Portugese player signs for Manchester united at the Carrington Training Ground, Carrington on August 12, 2003 in Manchester, England. (Photo by John Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Cristiano Ronaldo, one of football’s most iconic figures, celebrated his 40th birthday on February 5, 2025. Despite reaching this milestone, the Portuguese forward shows no signs of slowing down. Currently playing for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, Ronaldo has amassed an unprecedented 923 career goals and is ambitiously targeting the 1,000-goal mark before considering retirement.
KIEV, UKRAINE – MAY 26: Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid lifts The UEFA Champions League trophy following his sides victory in during the UEFA Champions League Final between Real Madrid and Liverpool at NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium on May 26, 2018 in Kiev, Ukraine. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
A Glorious Career Spanning Over Two Decades
Ronaldo’s professional journey began in 2002 with Sporting CP. He then moved to Manchester United in 2003, where he scored 118 goals in 292 appearances. His tenure at Real Madrid from 2009 to 2018 was particularly prolific, netting 450 goals in 438 games. Subsequent stints at Juventus and a return to Manchester United added to his impressive tally. In 2023, he joined Al Nassr, where he continues to demonstrate his goal-scoring prowess.
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – FEBRUARY 03: Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr celebrates after scoring the third goal of his team during the AFC Champions League Elite match between Al-Nassr and Al Wasl at King Saud University Stadium on February 03, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Al Nassr FC/Al Nassr FC via Getty Images)
Unparalleled Achievements
Throughout his career, Ronaldo has secured numerous accolades, including five Ballon d’Or awards and five UEFA Champions League titles. He holds the record for the most goals in both the Champions League and the European Championship. Internationally, he is the all-time leading scorer with 135 goals for Portugal.
MADRID, SPAIN – JULY 06: New Real Madrid player Cristiano Ronaldo is presented to a full house at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium on July 6, 2009 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
A Relentless Pursuit of Excellence
Ronaldo’s dedication to maintaining peak physical condition has been instrumental in his longevity. His commitment to training, nutrition, and recovery is well-documented, allowing him to perform at the highest level even as he reaches 40. He has expressed a desire to continue playing, stating, “I can continue making a difference for one or two years more.”
AVEIRO, PORTUGAL – JUNE 11: Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal celebrates his goal during the International Friendly match between Portugal and the Republic of Ireland at Estádio Municipal de Aveiro on June 11, 2024 in Aveiro, Portugal. (Photo by Pedro Loureiro/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
With 923 goals to his name, Ronaldo is within striking distance of the 1,000-goal milestone—a feat never before achieved in professional football. His unwavering determination and passion for the game make this ambitious target a realistic possibility. As he continues to lead Al Nassr and contribute to the Portugal national team, fans worldwide eagerly anticipate his next historic achievement.
Conclusion
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 27: Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United looks on during the UEFA Europa League group E match between Manchester United and Sheriff Tiraspol at Old Trafford on October 27, 2022 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
Cristiano Ronaldo’s 40th birthday is not just a celebration of his age but a testament to an extraordinary career filled with record-breaking accomplishments. As he sets his sights on reaching 1,000 career goals, the football world watches in admiration of a player whose legacy continues to grow with each passing year.