Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro — the name alone sparks images of soaring headers, laser-precise free kicks, and a relentless drive to be the best. Now, in May 2025, at age 40, Ronaldo remains a living legend, redefining what longevity in elite sport looks like. His career has traversed continents, leagues, and countless record books, yet the CR7 story is still unfolding.
Below, we explore his journey in detail — from his first days at Sporting Lisbon to his Al-Nassr chapter in Saudi Arabia, his 900+ goals, business empire, and what 2025 means for one of the greatest athletes in history.
Early Life in Madeira and Rise to Stardom
Ronaldo was born on July 31, 1985, in Funchal, Madeira, to José Dinis Aveiro and Maria Dolores. His middle name, “Ronaldo,” was inspired by then U.S. president Ronald Reagan — a favorite actor of his father.
| Birth Name | Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro |
| Birth Date | July 31, 1985 |
| Birth Place | Funchal, Madeira, Portugal |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) |
| Early Club | Andorinha, Clube Desportivo Nacional |
| First Big Club | Sporting Lisbon (2002) |
Even as a teenager, his pace, dribbling, and aerial ability turned heads. By 2002, at just 17, he debuted for Sporting Lisbon, setting the stage for a global career.
First Professional Steps: Sporting Lisbon to Manchester United (2003–2009)
In 2003, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson signed the young winger for £12.24 million, making him the most expensive teenager in English football at the time. Wearing the famous #7 shirt, Ronaldo evolved from a step-over-loving winger to a lethal goal machine.
| Season | Goals | Notable Achievements |
| 2007–08 | 42 | Premier League, Champions League, FIFA World Player |
| 2008–09 | 26 | FIFA Club World Cup, Ballon d’Or 2008 |
By 2009, Ronaldo had already won three Premier League titles and his first Ballon d’Or.
Real Madrid Era: Goals, Records, and Ballon d’Or Glory (2009–2018)
In a record-breaking £80 million transfer in July 2009, Ronaldo joined Real Madrid, where his rivalry with Lionel Messi reached iconic status. He became the club’s all-time top scorer, netting 450 goals in 438 games.
| Season | Goals | Notable Trophies |
| 2010–11 | 53 | Copa del Rey |
| 2013–14 | 51 | Champions League, Copa del Rey |
| 2016–17 | 42 | Champions League, La Liga |
| 2017–18 | 44 | Champions League (3rd consecutive) |
His five Ballon d’Or wins (2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017) cemented him as one of the greatest to ever play.
Juventus Years: Serie A Dominance and Memorable Hat-Tricks
In 2018, Ronaldo moved to Juventus for €112 million, becoming a Serie A star instantly. He scored a memorable hat-trick against Cagliari and another against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.
| Season | Goals | Key Moments |
| 2018–19 | 28 | Serie A title |
| 2019–20 | 37 | Coppa Italia, Supercoppa Italiana |
| 2020–21 | 36 | Serie A Top Scorer |
Return to Manchester United and Impact on Premier League
Ronaldo’s 2021 return to Manchester United electrified the league. His debut saw two goals against Newcastle, and he finished the season with 24 in all competitions.
Saudi Arabia Chapter: Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr
In December 2022, Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia on a contract worth over $200 million annually, including commercial deals. At 40, in 2025, he remains their marquee player.
Milestones in 2024: Chasing the 900th Career Goal
In September 2024, Ronaldo scored his 900th career goal. His journey to this mark included surpassing Pelé’s 770 goals in March 2021.
2025 Form and Fitness at Age 40
Ronaldo’s longevity is no accident — his diet, sleep, and training are legendary. His body fat remains under 7%, and his sprint speeds still rival players in their 20s.
| Fitness Factor | Detail |
| Body Fat % | Under 7% |
| Diet Focus | Lean protein, complex carbs, hydration |
| Recovery Tools | Therabody devices, cryotherapy |
Ronaldo’s Social Media Empire: Over 500 Million Followers
Ronaldo dominates Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, with over 500 million followers across platforms by early 2025 — more than many global brands combined.
CR7 Brand: Clothing, Accessories, Hotels, and Gyms
His CR7 brand spans fashion, fragrances, gyms, and luxury hotels in partnership with Pestana Group.
Sponsorships and Endorsements: Nike, Herbalife, Binance, and More
Nike’s lifetime deal with Ronaldo is worth over $1 billion. Other partners include Herbalife, Binance, Panini, and Whoop.
Financial Powerhouse: $1 Billion Career Earnings
Between wages, bonuses, and sponsorships, Ronaldo has earned more than $1 billion in his career, making him one of the richest athletes in history.
Comparing Ronaldo with Lionel Messi in 2025
Even at 40, Ronaldo continues to score at an elite rate, while Messi dazzles in the MLS. The debate remains unresolved — and that’s part of its magic.
| Category | Ronaldo | Messi |
| Career Goals | 900+ | 820+ |
| Ballon d’Or | 5 | 8 |
| Major Clubs | 4 | 3 |
Memorable International Moments with Portugal
From his first European Championship in 2004 to winning Euro 2016, Ronaldo’s national team career has been filled with glory.
Career Statistics and Records in Numbers
| Stat | Number |
| Career Goals | 900+ |
| International Goals | 125+ |
| Champions League Goals | 140+ |
Legacy in Football History and Future Plans
Whether he plays into 2026 or not, Ronaldo’s influence will stretch far beyond football — into business, philanthropy, and global culture.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s 2025 Match Highlights and Key Performances
Even in February 2025, Ronaldo was still producing magical moments — a curling free-kick against Al-Hilal, a towering header in the Saudi Pro League, and a crucial penalty in the Asian Champions League quarterfinals.
| Month | Opponent | Result | Ronaldo’s Contribution |
| January 2025 | Al-Ittihad | 3–1 | 1 goal, 1 assist |
| February 2025 | Al-Hilal | 2–2 | Free-kick goal, 5 shots on target |
| March 2025 | Al-Taawoun | 4–0 | 2 goals, 1 assist |
| April 2025 | Asian CL QF | 1–0 | Penalty goal |
| May 2025 | Al-Ahli | 2–1 | Winning goal in stoppage time |
Business Moves in 2025: CR7 Beyond the Pitch
In August 2025, Ronaldo expanded his CR7 Hotels into Brazil — a nod to his deep respect for icons like Pelé. His gyms also reached Kazakhstan, with Altice as a key tech partner for connected fitness.
| CR7 Business Area | 2025 Expansion Location | Notable Feature |
| Hotels | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | Pelé Suite with memorabilia |
| Gyms | Almaty, Kazakhstan | AI-powered fitness tracking via Whoop |
| Clothing | Online Store Revamp | Sustainable fabrics, 20% faster delivery |
| Accessories | Global | Collab with André Giant design team |
The 2025 Training Regimen: Ronaldo’s Secret Sauce at 40
Even at 84 kg (185 lbs) and 1.87 m (6 ft 2 in) in cleats, Ronaldo’s explosiveness is unmatched. His daily routine is a masterclass in discipline.
| Time | Routine Component | Details |
| 7 AM | Cardio & Mobility | Treadmill sprints, stretching |
| 9 AM | Breakfast | Egg whites, avocado, whole grains |
| 11 AM | Strength Training | Weighted lunges, core work |
| 2 PM | Tactical Drills | Shooting, crossing, finishing |
| 6 PM | Recovery | Ice baths, Therabody, light yoga |
Portugal in 2025: Ronaldo’s Role in the National Team
With five World Cups behind him, Ronaldo is eyeing Euro 2026 qualification. Under coach Roberto Martínez, he plays as a forward/winger hybrid, conserving energy but delivering key goals — like the decisive strike against Croatia in June 2024 and a penalty shootout win over Germany in the Nations League.
Net Worth and Sponsorship Value in May 2025
Ronaldo’s fortune continues to climb thanks to salary, bonuses, and global endorsements.
| Source | 2025 Earnings |
| Al-Nassr Contract | $225M |
| Sponsorships | $50M+ |
| Business Ventures | $40M |
| Total Career Earnings | $1B+ |
Records Ronaldo Still Holds in 2025
| Record | Number |
| Most Champions League Goals | 140+ |
| Most International Goals | 125+ |
| Most Goals in a Single UCL Season | 17 |
| Only Player to Score in 5 World Cups | ✅ |
| Most Instagram Followers for an Athlete | 500M+ |
Quotes from Ronaldo in 2025
“I’m not here just to play — I’m here to win, to inspire, and to keep breaking limits.” – Cristiano Ronaldo, March 2025.
“Age is just a number. Motivation, discipline, and passion decide everything.” – CR7, Saudi Pro League interview.
Why 2025 Matters for Cristiano Ronaldo’s Legacy
2025 isn’t just another season — it’s proof that age 40 can still mean world-class football. He’s redefining athletic longevity, influencing younger stars, and growing his global empire.
Final 2025 Career Snapshot
| Category | Detail |
| Age | 40 |
| Clubs Played For | Sporting, Man United, Real Madrid, Juventus, Al-Nassr |
| Career Goals | 900+ |
| Ballon d’Or | 5 |
| Major Trophies | 30+ |
Conclusion
Cristiano Ronaldo’s 2025 story is more than just football — it’s about persistence, adaptation, and brand mastery. Whether on the pitch in Riyadh or opening a hotel in Brazil, CR7 remains a symbol of what’s possible when talent meets relentless work ethic.
FAQs
Q1: How many goals has Ronaldo scored in 2025?
A: As of May 2025, he has scored over 900 career goals.
Q2: Is Ronaldo still playing at age 40?
A: Yes, for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia.
Q3: How many Ballon d’Or awards does he have?
A: Five.
Q4: What brands does Ronaldo endorse?
A: Nike, Herbalife, Binance, and more.
Q5: What is Ronaldo’s net worth in 2025?
A: Over $500 million, with $1 billion in career earnings.
