Cristiano Ronaldo is still revered as a hero in Portugal, and Ryan Gauld says that means the Portuguese star won’t be giving up anytime soon.
The Scotland international knows all about Ronaldo’s reputation in his homeland, having spent time at Sporting, the club that set CR7 on the path to stardom. It’s debatable whether the Portuguese star can still play a significant role in an international cause at 39, but the five-time Ballon d’Or winner isn’t about to hang up his boots.
Ronaldo reached 900 career goals in his last appearance for Portugal – netting 131 in 213 appearances for his country – and is tipped to grace the 2026 World Cup with his presence, while delaying any plans to retire at club level.
900.. then 1000 goals?
Gauld explained to reporters why the former Manchester United and Real Madrid striker is an inspiration to players around the world: ” Ronaldo doesn’t seem ready to give up anytime soon. As long as he gets a chance to play and score goals, I think he’ll be there. I played at Sporting Lisbon, where he started out. He’s obviously a hero around here. There are murals everywhere and that kind of thing. You won’t find anyone who says anything bad about him. So you can understand why he wants to play as much as he can.. »
Gaudl added: “I think it’s inspiring to see how fit he is at 39. He still has the mentality to play at the highest level possible and score goals. It definitely shows that if you want to keep playing, you can do it if you look after yourself and do the right things. I think, just for football in general, he’s someone everyone looks up to.”
IN BRIEF
- Scotland international Gauld, who spent time at Sporting, talks about Ronaldo’s reputation as a five-time Ballon d’Or winner at 39.
- Ronaldo has reached 900 career goals and is tipped to feature at the 2026 World Cup, delaying his retirement at club level.
- Gauld points out that Ronaldo inspires players around the world with his fitness and mentality to continue playing at the highest level.
