Few footballers in history have inspired as much admiration as Cristiano Ronaldo. Even at the age of 40, the Portuguese forward continues to score goals and collect trophies with Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, leaving fans and fellow professionals in awe. Among those who recently expressed deep respect for the striker is Fiorentina goalkeeper David de Gea, who described his former Manchester United teammate as a once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon.
Speaking to Cronache di spogliatoio, De Gea admitted that Ronaldo’s ability to perform at the highest level for two decades is beyond ordinary. “Cristiano is a beast, but I think I’m telling you what you’ve already heard, because it’s not normal. He’s 40 and he’s still scoring and winning titles. A real beast of a competition. The way he takes care of himself is something else. In the whole history of football, there have only been one or two like him. You can play well for a year or two, but try doing that for twenty years,” De Gea said.
In football, careers at the top are usually measured in a handful of seasons. To remain competitive for more than a decade is rare. To dominate for 20 years, however, is something reserved only for legends. Cristiano Ronaldo has done exactly that. From his early days at Sporting Lisbon to his superstar years at Manchester United, his Galáctico era at Real Madrid, his continued brilliance at Juventus, and now his achievements with Al-Nassr, Ronaldo has redefined what longevity in football means. At every stage, he has adapted his game. The lightning-fast winger of the mid-2000s evolved into a complete forward at Madrid, later becoming a penalty-box predator at Juventus and beyond. This adaptability has allowed him to remain effective despite the physical changes that come with age.
De Gea’s words highlight the dedication behind the scenes: strict training regimes, meticulous diets, and a relentless commitment to physical and mental preparation. Few players in the history of football have shown such obsessive attention to detail, and it is this discipline that enables Ronaldo to keep performing at the highest level.Ronaldo’s career speaks for itself. With more than 850 official goals, multiple Ballon d’Or awards, and an unparalleled collection of team trophies, he has etched his name in history as one of the greatest ever.
His honors include: 5 Ballon d’Or titles 5 UEFA Champions League trophies (4 with Real Madrid, 1 with Manchester United) League titles in England, Spain, and Italy European Championship (2016) and UEFA Nations League (2019) with Portugal Countless domestic cups and individual scoring records De Gea, who shared the pitch with Ronaldo during his return to Manchester United in 2021, witnessed firsthand the professionalism and hunger that still drives him. For teammates, Ronaldo’s daily example set the standard: compete fiercely in training, demand excellence from others, and never settle for less than winning.What also sets Cristiano apart, and what De Gea alluded to in his admiration, is the cultural impact Ronaldo has achieved. His dedication and success have made him an icon not only in sport but also in popular culture.
With hundreds of millions of followers on social media, Ronaldo’s influence extends far beyond the pitch. He has become a model of athletic discipline, inspiring athletes in all sports to pursue longevity and excellence. His commercial appeal has also helped expand the global reach of football, attracting fans to competitions and clubs that previously had limited visibility. In Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo’s arrival at Al-Nassr has not only raised the level of the Saudi Pro League but has also sparked an influx of other stars, transforming the country into a new hub of footballing ambition.
David de Gea’s description of Cristiano Ronaldo as “not normal” captures the essence of a player whose career has transcended the usual limits of football. Still scoring, still winning, and still driven at 40, Ronaldo is the embodiment of resilience, professionalism, and unmatched competitive spirit. “You can play well for a year or two, but try doing that for twenty years,” De Gea said—a statement that perfectly sums up Ronaldo’s extraordinary journey.
From Sporting to Manchester, Madrid, Turin, and now Riyadh, Cristiano Ronaldo has proven that greatness is not just about talent—it is about persistence, discipline, and the hunger to be the best every single day. For De Gea, for teammates past and present, and for millions of fans worldwide, Ronaldo remains a “real beast of competition” and a living legend who continues to defy time.
