At 41, Ronaldo is still going strong.

At an age when most players have retired, Cristiano Ronaldo remains the center of attention in the football world. His current career at Al Nassr has been shaped by a series of dramatic events.

Ronaldo did not play in the recent match against Al-Riyadh. International media reported that he is dissatisfied with the transfer management at the club backed by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF), especially after strong rival Karim Benzema's move to Al Hilal created a public outcry at the beginning of February 2026.

However, Ronaldo responded with his actions. A training photo was posted showing that he hadn't left the pitch.

The Portuguese player remains determined, as he declared at the 2025 Globe Soccer Awards: he "still has the passion and motivation" to play and continue to conquer his all-time personal best.

Ronaldo's path is not easy. By the end of January 2026, he will have scored 961 official career goals, just 39 goals away from the unprecedented milestone of 1,000 goals in world football history.

This is clear evidence of Ronaldo's incredible resilience and goal-scoring instinct at the age of 41, as he has maintained his high performance after more than a decade of top-level competition in national leagues and for the national team.

Ronaldo remains an icon of world football.

Not only that, Ronaldo is also setting his sights on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which could be his last appearance for the Portuguese national team. This goal is not just about the title; it's also the clearest evidence of the pride and competitive spirit of a football icon.

Fans and experts alike understand that, while the World Cup may no longer be a necessary element to etch Ronaldo's name in history, this title remains the missing piece in his vast collection.

Disagreements at Al-Nassr did not change Ronaldo's desire to play. He continued to score regularly for the club and maintained his role as the leader of the attack despite the demanding schedule. Ronaldo once shared that he believed he would reach the milestone of 1,000 goals if he avoided injuries and maintained his current form.

Ronaldo's words in Dubai were a declaration of his fighting spirit: "I always enjoy football and want to keep fighting, no matter where I play, whether it's Saudi Arabia or Europe."

It's not just words; it's a guiding principle for how he maintains his rigorous training regimen and his uncompromising attitude towards early rest.

Cristiano Ronaldo's 41st birthday is therefore not the end, but a new chapter in his great journey.

Beyond his personal ambitions, Ronaldo also inspires a new generation. His dream of playing alongside his son one day motivates him to train as hard as a 20-year-old player. This is the clearest evidence of his desire to extend his career and dedicate many more years to football.

Cristiano Ronaldo's 41st birthday is therefore not the end, but a new chapter in his great journey. Despite facing challenges, media attention, competitive pressure, and age limitations, Ronaldo is still writing fascinating chapters in football history. And the race against time for him is far from over.

Ronaldo's strange behavior: In the early hours of January 27th, Cristiano Ronaldo frequently clashed with Al Taawon defenders during Al Nassr's 1-0 victory in Round 17 of the Saudi Pro League.