How Cristiano Ronaldo Continues to Influence Football After Turning 40
On February 5, 2025, the world celebrated Cristiano Ronaldo’s 40th birthday. But unlike most players who see this age as the final whistle, the Portuguese legend celebrated the start of yet another remarkable chapter. While forty is considered the finish line for most athletes, Cristiano continues to defy nature’s laws, proving that age is just a number when ambition, science, and discipline come together.
Biological Age vs. Chronological Age: A Medical Marvel
The Astonishing Discovery: 28.9 Years Old
In May 2025, a comprehensive medical check-up at Aspire Medical Center in Qatar revealed a stunning result: Ronaldo’s biological age is only 28.9 years. This extraordinary figure means Cristiano’s body is biologically 11 years younger than his real chronological age!
Measured biological age indicators:
Bone density: Equivalent to a 25-year-old player
Muscle mass: 47% of body weight (well above the professional average of 42%)
Body fat percentage: 7% (elite athlete level)
Cardiovascular endurance: Comparable to a 29-year-old sprinter
These numbers are not a coincidence but the result of relentless training, precise nutrition, and advanced recovery science that Cristiano has integrated into his daily routine.
Influence at Al-Nassr: Leadership Beyond Goals
Since joining Al-Nassr, Ronaldo has not only been a goal machine but also a catalyst for the entire Saudi Pro League’s transformation. Even at 40, his influence goes beyond scoring:
On the pitch: He continues to deliver decisive goals in both domestic and continental competitions.
Off the pitch: Younger teammates see him as a living model of professionalism and discipline.
For the league: His presence has accelerated the Saudi league’s global exposure, bringing record viewership, sponsorships, and international stars.
A 2024–2025 report by Deloitte Sports Business noted that Al-Nassr’s global fan engagement increased by over 70% since Ronaldo’s arrival, a figure unmatched in the Middle East football market.
Ronaldo and the 2026 World Cup Dream
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Despite his age, Cristiano has openly stated his desire to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. If he makes the squad, he would be the first outfield player in history to compete at the highest level at 41 years old while still maintaining elite performance.
Portugal’s coach, Roberto Martínez, has already hinted that as long as Ronaldo maintains his form, age will not be a barrier. This further fuels the belief that Cristiano’s story at the World Cup is not over yet.
The Everlasting Legacy
Cristiano Ronaldo’s impact after 40 is not just about goals or records—it is about redefining the limits of human performance in sports. His legacy now extends into three dimensions:
Athletic longevity: He set a new benchmark for how long footballers can remain competitive.
Cultural influence: His lifestyle discipline has inspired millions to adopt healthier habits.
Historical records: With over 850 career goals and counting, he is shaping a legacy that may never be matched.
As sports scientists describe it, Ronaldo has become a “case study of human resilience”, proving that with the right mix of ambition, science, and mindset, even the so-called “impossible” can be achieved.