Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed what he thinks is the "most important tool" behind his longevity after plying his trade across Europe and now in Saudi Arabia. The Portuguese icon is showing no signs of slowing down, even at 40, as he continues to chase down records with Al-Nassr and on the international stage. He has set himself the mind-boggling target of reaching 1,000 career goals before hanging up his boots, and he is just 51 short of reaching that total.
Still breaking records at 40
Ronaldo's career has been built on microscopic attention to detail, be it his diet, post-match recovery or gym sessions. And this rigorous discipline has helped him maintain his gold standard even at 40. Since joining Al-Nassr, he has scored 105 goals in 118 appearances, clinching back-to-back Golden Boots in the Saudi Pro League. In this campaign, he is again one of the contenders with five strikes already in as many matches.
What’s remarkable is that Ronaldo’s hunger remains insatiable. And to fuel that undying desire for success, Ronaldo revealed his secret formula. In a revealing new video shared by WHOOP on their social media platforms, Ronaldo disclosed that sleep and a regular routine are his 'most important tools'.
“Sleep is the most important tool that I have," he said. "To be consistent with the time that I go to bed and that I wake up. I mean, like example, I go to bed around 11-12 and I wake up around 8.30. It is my routine. It is the most important thing that we have probably in terms of health-span."
AdvertisementTwo targets that are still pushing Ronaldo
Ronaldo has long claimed that his target is to score 1,000 career goals, and people believe he might actually do it. Former Manchester United defender Danny Simpson, who shared a dressing room with Ronaldo during his early days at Old Trafford, insisted the legend’s story is far from over. Speaking to GOAL, Simpson was emphatic that Ronaldo could play well into his mid-40s.
"I don’t think you can write him off," he said. "As long as he is scoring goals, as long as he doesn’t get any injuries, then it wouldn't surprise me because it’s him. I know he wants 1,000 goals. And I think he wants to play with his son."
The Portuguese wants to build an enduring legacy that can withstand the test of time, as Simpson added: "Playing with your son, that’s probably one of the biggest targets that you can go for once you have won everything. Sharing a pitch with your son must be some feeling. You look at those targets. He does set targets and you look at those – 1,000 goals and play with his son – does he do those and think ‘right, I’ve done it all now’? I don’t know where you go after that. He’s just a phenomenal person, player. What he’s done for the game, it’s unbelievable."
Getty/InstagramFollowing in his footsteps
Ronaldo has never hidden his dream of one day sharing the field with his eldest son, Cristianinho. The 14-year-old is already turning heads in Al-Nassr’s youth setup, and according to his father, he’s progressing faster than he did at the same age.
"When I was his age, he is a little bit bigger and stronger," he said. "I was smaller. I think he will be bigger than me. Let’s see if he has the hunger. The hunger is the most difficult."
For a man who has conquered Europe’s toughest leagues, lifted five Champions League trophies, and carried his nation to European and Nations League glory, Ronaldo’s next challenge is deeply personal as he is battling time to continue long enough in the game to share the same dressing room with his son.
"I would like it, I would like it," he had admitted. "It's not something that keeps me up at night, but I would like it. We'll see. It's more in his hands than in mine."
Unfinished business in the Middle East
Ronaldo's spell in Saudi Arabia has produced individual accolades, but team success has remained elusive as he continues to chase domestic and continental glory. Riding on Ronaldo and Joao Felix's strong form, Al-Nassr have had a bright start to their league campaign and will look to build on their early momentum when they face Al-Hazm this Sunday.