Ronaldo defies the laws of aging.

At the age of 40, Cristiano Ronaldo not only scored the goal that helped Portugal defeat Germany for the first time in 24 years, but also continued his incredible journey towards the milestone of 1,000 goals - something no one in football history has ever reached.

Some players reach the pinnacle of their careers, then gradually fade away in the dim light. Others enter the twilight of their careers with pride – maintaining their image without destroying their legacy.

Ronaldo is one of a kind.

But Cristiano Ronaldo didn't choose either of those paths. He continued to run, continued to score goals, continued to break records - and above all, continued to defy time.

The goal against Germany in the Nations League semi-final on the morning of June 5th not only propelled Portugal into the final, but it also closed a strange chapter in CR7's illustrious career. Previously, Ronaldo had faced Germany five times and lost every time – a statistic he probably wouldn't want to mention. And just when it seemed like the end of his journey was near, Ronaldo settled that debt in the most familiar way – scoring and winning.

At 40 years old, with 220 international appearances, 137 goals for the national team, and 937 career goals – all record-breaking achievements. But what's even more remarkable is that Ronaldo doesn't stop there.

There's a truth few dare to admit: modern football elevates every player, but it also shortens career lifespans more than ever before. Legendary players rarely maintain peak performance after the age of 33. But Ronaldo, after turning 30, entered a period of rebirth.

85 goals for Portugal since the age of 30 is an extraordinary number. It's an achievement that most legends in history – from Puskas and Gerd Müller to Neymar and Kane – haven't even reached in their entire international careers. Ronaldo not only extended the lifespan of football, he redefined it.

Ronaldo shows no signs of stopping.

Against Germany, Ronaldo's goal-scoring record had been disappointing: one goal in 450 minutes. But then his recent goal brought the total to two in 540 minutes – and more importantly, helped Portugal defeat an opponent that had caused him the most heartbreak.

Now, England is a team Ronaldo has never beaten – but also never lost to – with three draws (including two instances where Portugal advanced after penalty shootouts). Even France – the team Ronaldo has defeated four times – was beaten by him in the Euro 2016 final. The “ghosts” of the past are gradually being “eliminated.” And Ronaldo, as if writing the final chapters of an epic, complete with all the necessary details, leaves nothing untouched.

1,000 goals - a milestone or an aspiration?

With 937 goals scored, Ronaldo is just 63 goals away from becoming the first player in football history to reach 1,000 official goals. Both Pele and Romario have claimed to have reached this milestone, but most of those were in friendly or unofficial matches – and were not recognized by FIFA.

Last season, Ronaldo scored 35 goals for Al-Nassr – a remarkable performance at any age, let alone 40. If he maintains this number for the next two seasons, the 1,000-goal mark will no longer be a distant dream.

Of course, age is inevitable. But with Ronaldo, all rules can be bent. He's no longer the speedy striker, the dribbler, or the relentless pressing he once did. But Ronaldo is still always in the right place, at the right time, at the right decisive moment. That's instinct – and also the legacy of 20 years of top-level competition.

With Ronaldo, all the rules can be bent.

Following the upcoming Nations League final, Ronaldo's club future remains uncertain. His current contract with Al-Nassr expires this summer. His recent statement, "This chapter has closed. The story continues," has led many to believe he will leave Saudi Arabia. Rumors suggest he might join another team to participate in the FIFA Club World Cup, possibly even Botafogo (Brazil).

However, the latest reports claim Ronaldo is considering extending his contract with Al-Nassr until he is 42 years old. And frankly, nobody dares to set a limit for him anymore.

When the greatest names have retired, when legends exist only in archives, Ronaldo remains – scoring goals, winning, and challenging the definition of immortality in football. 1,000 goals is only a matter of time. But the story of Cristiano Ronaldo – perhaps – will never end.

Source: https://znews.vn/ronaldo-pha-vo-quy-luat-lao-hoa-post1558420.html