“Ronaldo and the Secret of Immortality on His Birthday”

Who is Cristiano Ronaldo? Seeing him for the first time, one might be rendered speechless. Why do some people even shed tears upon witnessing him in action for the first time? After all, he is just a footballer. Or is he?

There is something extraordinary about him. A man in his forties, who has spent over a million minutes on the pitch, scoring 961 goals, providing 260 assists, and lifting 36 trophies across his career.

In everyday life, complaints are endless: “Why didn’t I get this? Why is that person better than me?” Such is human nature. Amidst this, Cristiano Ronaldo stands apart. His difference has inspired millions. And when I say millions, forgive me—billions, in reality.

On average, Ronaldo scores a goal every 111 minutes, and contributes to a goal every 88 minutes. Yet, this is only a part of his story.

Criticism and controversy rarely touch him. As he famously says, “I speak when I want to… I am bulletproof, wearing armour of steel…” Indeed, he is. The boy who once cleared streets for his struggling family has grown to command the football world. One of his iconic “Siuuu” celebrations can silence thousands of critics in an instant.

Ronaldo’s life is also a tale of immense social impact. He has shown the finger of defiance to extreme poverty, living a life of such success that his monthly expenses at the Four Seasons in Riyadh reportedly reached 41.8 million Bangladeshi Taka—an amount that affords a view of the entire city from above.

Even in childhood, his sense of gratitude stood out. At a McDonald’s, a young Ronaldo once asked the staff, “Is there anything extra to eat?” The employee, Edana, gave him food. Years later, Ronaldo tracked Edana down, ensuring he was rewarded—a testament to the value of humility and gratitude in his life.

In Portugal, he is more than a footballer; he is a national icon. Before Ronaldo, Portugal had no major international trophies—only memories of three Euros and three World Cups. After him, Portugal reached five World Cups and five European Championships, securing two major trophies.

For his national team, Ronaldo has scored 143 goals—the highest in international football history for any country. That is nearly one goal every 100 minutes.

Ronaldo’s social media following is staggering: a billion fans, roughly 100 crore, could span twice the circumference of the Earth if they stood hand-in-hand. His fame has long surpassed the identity of a mere footballer.

Even after turning 30, Ronaldo has scored nearly 500 goals, with over 30 hat-tricks, accomplishing feats that many strikers can only dream of over an entire career. Age, for him, is merely a number.

His ultimate goal is clear: 1,000 career goals. Injuries permitting, he is determined to reach that milestone before retirement.

Currently in Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo continues to inspire millions, leaping in celebration like a schoolboy, teaching life lessons with every goal. So here is to Cristiano Ronaldo: eternal, from Madeira to immortality.

Cristiano Ronaldo Career Highlights