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At 40 years old, CR7 not only proves his enduring influence, but also shows the ambition of a legend who has never backed down. |
At 40 years old, CR7 not only proves his enduring influence, but also shows the ambition of a legend who has never backed down.
Two matches, two wins, one concise message.
Within a week, Portugal played two World Cup 2026 qualifying matches and emerged victorious in both. In their opening game, the European "Seleção" thrashed Armenia 5-0, with Ronaldo scoring a brace, making his mark on his return after winning the Nations League in June. In their away match against Hungary, Portugal struggled to win 3-2, but Ronaldo still left his mark with a valuable goal.
After the final whistle blew in Budapest, Ronaldo didn't say much. He simply wrote on social media: "Two games, two wins. Go, Portugal." Seven short words, but they accurately reflect the mindset of the superstar who has turned 40: simple, concise, but full of determination.
The goal against Hungary was of immense significance. It helped Ronaldo equal the record of Guatemalan legend Carlos “Pescadito” Ruiz, with 39 goals in World Cup qualifiers – the most in history across all continents. This achievement also meant he surpassed Lionel Messi, his familiar rival in a nearly two-decade-long rivalry.
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Ronaldo continues to maintain impressive form at the age of 40. |
Ronaldo's opportunity to monopolize the record is clear. This October, Portugal will face the Republic of Ireland and then Hungary again. If he continues to score, CR7 will stand alone at the top, solidifying his position as the greatest goalscorer in football history.
Beyond simply pursuing goalscoring records, Ronaldo is also aiming for a special milestone: becoming the first player, or at least alongside Messi, to participate in six World Cups. Since his debut in 2006, the Portuguese superstar has been a part of world football for almost two decades. The expectation of participating in another World Cup at the age of 41 is a testament to his remarkable resilience and extraordinary willpower.
Throughout his career, Ronaldo has always been associated with numbers. And at 40, those numbers haven't stopped growing. 27 goals in 30 matches in 2025 for Al Nassr is clear evidence: even though he no longer plays in Europe, CR7 still maintains an outstanding goal-scoring record. The milestone of 1,000 career goals, currently 57 goals away, is no longer a distant goal.
On a team level, Ronaldo is aiming to conquer the AFC Champions League Two with Al Nassr. Just days after finishing his training camp with Portugal, he immediately returned to prepare for a match against Al Kholood in the Saudi Pro League, and then to compete in the continental tournament against FC Istiklol of Tajikistan. This packed schedule shows that Ronaldo is still living in the fierce competition of top-level football, rather than choosing a comfortable end to his career.
Answers to the doubts
For many years, Ronaldo has frequently faced skepticism: Is age causing him to decline? Is leaving Europe for Saudi Arabia a sign of decline? But each goal, each milestone, each concise message he left behind has been enough to prove otherwise. Ronaldo has never considered himself a "veteran"; he still defines himself by his desire to conquer.
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Ronaldo is not ready to stop. |
In fact, in Portugal today, many young talents like Pedro Neto, João Neves, and Gonçalo Ramos are maturing. But Ronaldo remains the cornerstone. He may no longer be explosive in every game like he was at 25, but his composure, effectiveness, and leadership spirit are irreplaceable. His goal against Hungary – not only equaling Ruiz's record but also securing the victory – is prime example: when Portugal needs him, Ronaldo is there.
The way Ronaldo celebrated with Bruno Fernandes, Pedro Neto, and João Neves after the victory against Hungary reflected more than just the joy of winning. It was the image of a succeeding generation, led by an older brother who had already reached every peak. And Ronaldo, with his professionalism and ambition, continues to play the role of an inspiration.
For fans, that image also affirms the enduring value of football: glory doesn't just come from youth, but also from willpower and dedication. At 40, Ronaldo is still fighting to push the boundaries of himself, and of the very concept of "age" in football.
The September training camp concluded with a clear message: Ronaldo hasn't stopped. He's still scoring, still breaking records, still inspiring. The victory against Hungary not only secured Portugal's perfect record but also marked a significant milestone in CR7's personal journey.
The upcoming challenges – from World Cup qualifiers and the Saudi Pro League to the AFC Champions League Two – will continue to see Ronaldo write more chapters in history. And with his consistent form, hunger, and charisma, it's hard to believe that the story of Cristiano Ronaldo will end anytime soon.
Source: https://znews.vn/ronaldo-40-tuoi-van-viet-lai-lich-su-post1584048.html
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