New Delhi: Cristiano Ronaldo, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, is celebrating his 40th birthday today on February 5. Known for his exceptional skills and goal-scoring ability, CR7 has become a legendary figure in the world of football. The former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward has been ageing like fine wine as he continues to dominate football with sensational stats and numbers.
He was born in Madeira, Portugal in 1985 and faced many challenges in his early years. He used to work on the streets to support his family. He overcame many difficulties in life with his mentality, grit and hard work to become the leading goalscorer in football history.
Ronaldo started his career with Sporting CP before making a big move to Manchester United in 2003. The star footballer honed his skills under Sir Alex Ferguson, winning three Premier League titles, an FA Cup title and UEFA Champions League in 2008. He also won his first Ballon d’Or that year.
He moved to Real Madrid in 2009 and became the club’s all-time leading goal scorer, winning four Champions League titles. After a return to Manchester United in 2021, he moved to Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr in 2023. He is also Portugal’s all-time top scorer and led the team to victory in the 2016 Euros against France. He now has his eyes set on scoring 1000 goals before he retires from football permanently.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s stats year by year
| Age | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 17 | 19 | 5 | 4 |
| 18 | 36 | 1 | 3 |
| 19 | 67 | 17 | 14 |
| 20 | 60 | 13 | 11 |
| 21 | 60 | 26 | 12 |
| 22 | 61 | 40 | 9 |
| 23 | 59 | 30 | 13 |
| 24 | 45 | 28 | 4 |
| 25 | 64 | 53 | 19 |
| 26 | 60 | 59 | 17 |
| 27 | 70 | 67 | 15 |
| 28 | 60 | 64 | 16 |
| 29 | 57 | 60 | 18 |
| 30 | 56 | 58 | 19 |
| 31 | 58 | 54 | 14 |
| 32 | 59 | 53 | 12 |
| 33 | 54 | 49 | 13 |
| 34 | 50 | 45 | 4 |
| 35 | 48 | 40 | 8 |
| 36 | 60 | 41 | 5 |
| 37 | 45 | 17 | 4 |
| 38 | 56 | 53 | 15 |
| 39 | 57 | 50 | 8 |
| TOTAL | 1261 | 923 | 257 |
‘I’m the best player in football history’: Cristiano Ronaldo
Ronaldo in an interview with Spanish television LaSexta said that he is the best player in football history and haven’t seen anyone better than him.
“I’m talking about numbers. I think I’m the most complete player to have existed. In my opinion, I think it’s me. I do everything well in football: with my head, free kicks, left foot. I’m fast. I’m strong” Ronaldo said in an interview with media outlet LaSexta TV on Monday.
He further said that if anyone like Messi, Pele and Maradona, he understands and respects that but saying Ronaldo isn’t complete is not true. Ronaldo also said that he hasn’t seen anybody better than him.
“I’m the most complete. I haven’t seen anybody better than me, and I say it from the heart. Who’s the best goal scorer in history? It’s about numbers. Full stop” Ronaldo added.
Happy Birthday Cristiano Ronaldo: A look at the stats of five-time Ballon d’Or winner. The former Real Madrid and Manchester United forward turns 40 on February 5. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
