Cristiano Ronaldo at 40: Reflecting on Perfection, Rivalries, and Legacy
On February 5, 2025, Cristiano Ronaldo celebrated his 40th birthday, a milestone that often prompts reflection. In an exclusive and deeply personal interview with Spanish journalist and close friend Edu Aguirre, the football legend opened up about his career, his self-perception as the “most complete player,” and his iconic rivalries.
The Self-Proclaimed “Most Perfect Player”
Ronaldo didn’t shy away from declaring himself the greatest footballer of all time. “I think I’m the most finished player who has ever existed. The most perfect.This is my opinion. I do everything more than well in football: in the head and my left foot game, in the performance of free strikes, I’m fast, I’m strong, and jump high,” he stated. While acknowledging the admiration for legends like Lionel Messi, Pelé, and Maradona, Ronaldo firmly believes in his own unparalleled completeness.
He elaborated, “Some people prefer Messi, Pelé, or Maradona. I understand and respect this, but to say that Cristiano Ronaldo is not perfect, it’s a lie. I am the most perfect, the most complete.”
A Legacy of Versatility
Ronaldo’s confidence stems from his versatility on the field. “I’m not a leftist, but I’m in the top 10 players who have scored the most goals with a left foot. The same goes for head hits, penalties, and free kicks. We are not even talking about my right leg that is strong for me,” he revealed.
When asked if he considers himself the best in history, Ronaldo responded, “I think yes, because I haven’t seen myself better than myself. I say it from the bottom of my heart.”
The Messi Rivalry: A Healthy Competition
One of the most captivating aspects of Ronaldo’s career has been his rivalry with Lionel Messi. Describing it as “healthy,” Ronaldo emphasized the mutual respect between the two. “We had a healthy rivalry with Messi. Like this between the Seine and the simple. I have never had a bad relationship with Messi. We have shared the scene of the awards show for 15 years and we have always got along well,” he said.
He also expressed nostalgia for their iconic battles, adding, “It would be good for football if such rivalry is visible again. It is never known … But I think it would be very difficult to repeat.”
The Barcelona Connection and Real Madrid Pride
Ronaldo also reminisced about his encounters with Barcelona, particularly at Camp Nou. “I liked to play at Camp Nou. They made me whistle, but I liked to put more there than Bernabeu,” he admitted.Interestingly, he revealed that he could have joined Barcelona early in his career. “At one time I could move from Sporting to Barcelona. this did not happen as they wanted to sign, but to play in the team in a year. And Manchester United came and took me right away.”
Despite this, Ronaldo remains unwavering in his loyalty to Real Madrid. “But from my personal perspective,Madrid is the largest club in the world,” he declared.
Key Takeaways from Ronaldo’s Interview
| Topic | Key Insights |
|————————–|———————————————————————————-|
| Self-Perception | Ronaldo considers himself the “most perfect” and “most complete” player in history. |
| Versatility | Top 10 in left-footed goals, headers, penalties, and free kicks. |
| Messi Rivalry | A healthy competition marked by mutual respect and shared dominance. |
| Barcelona Connection | Nearly joined Barcelona but chose Manchester United; prefers Real Madrid. |
Final Thoughts
As Cristiano Ronaldo enters his fifth decade, his reflections offer a rare glimpse into the mind of a man who has redefined football. His confidence, versatility, and respect for his rivals underscore why he remains one of the sport’s most iconic figures.
for more insights into Ronaldo’s career and legacy, watch the full interview with Edu Aguirre here.
Cristiano Ronaldo at 40: A Deep Dive into Perfection, Rivalries, and Legacy
On February 5, 2025, Cristiano Ronaldo celebrated his 40th birthday, marking a significant milestone in his illustrious career. In an exclusive interview with Spanish journalist Edu Aguirre, Ronaldo opened up about his journey, self-perception, and the rivalries that have defined his legacy. We sat down with football analyst and Ronaldo expert, Miguel Torres, to dissect the key takeaways from this revealing conversation.
The Self-Proclaimed “Moast Perfect Player”
Editor: Cristiano Ronaldo has always been vocal about his self-belief. in this interview, he called himself the “most perfect player.” What’s your take on this statement?
Miguel Torres: Ronaldo’s confidence is unparalleled, and it’s backed by his achievements.He’s not just a goal-scorer; he’s a complete footballer. From his physical attributes to his technical skills, he’s a rare blend of talent and hard work. When he says he’s the “most perfect,” he’s emphasizing his versatility. He’s scored with both feet, his head, and from free kicks—something very few players can claim.
A Legacy of Versatility
Editor: Ronaldo highlighted his ability to excel in multiple aspects of the game. How does this versatility contribute to his legacy?
Miguel Torres: Versatility is what sets Ronaldo apart. He’s not just a forward who scores goals; he’s a complete attacker.He’s in the top 10 for goals scored with his left foot, headers, and even free kicks. His ability to adapt and excel in different roles on the field makes him a nightmare for defenders. This adaptability has allowed him to maintain a high level of performance well into his 30s and now 40s.
The Messi Rivalry: A Healthy Competition
Editor: The Ronaldo-Messi rivalry is one of the most talked-about in sports history. How does Ronaldo view this rivalry now?
Miguel torres: Ronaldo described his rivalry with Messi as “healthy,” and I think that’s an accurate portrayal. Both players pushed each other to new heights, and their competition brought out the best in them. Ronaldo’s respect for Messi is evident. He acknowledges Messi’s greatness but firmly believes in his own unique strengths.This mutual respect is what made their rivalry so special.
The Barcelona Connection and Real Madrid Pride
Editor: Ronaldo revealed that he could have joined Barcelona early in his career but chose Manchester United instead. How significant is this revelation?
Miguel Torres: It’s fascinating to think about how different football history could have been if Ronaldo had joined Barcelona. However, his decision to go to Manchester United set the stage for his global rise.His loyalty to Real Madrid, where he achieved his greatest club successes, is unwavering. He’s always maintained that Real Madrid is the biggest club in the world, and his performances ther solidified that belief.
Key Takeaways from Ronaldo’s Interview
| Topic | Key Insights |
|---|---|
| Self-Perception | Ronaldo considers himself the “most perfect” and ”most complete” player in history. |
| Versatility | Top 10 in left-footed goals, headers, penalties, and free kicks. |
| Messi Rivalry | A healthy competition marked by mutual respect and shared dominance. |
| Barcelona Connection | Nearly joined Barcelona but chose Manchester United; prefers Real Madrid. |
Final Thoughts
Cristiano Ronaldo’s reflections on his career, rivalries, and legacy offer a unique glimpse into the mind of a football legend.His confidence, versatility, and respect for his peers underscore why he remains one of the sport’s most iconic figures. For more insights into Ronaldo’s journey, watch the full interview with Edu Aguirre here.
