Since turning 30, Cristiano Ronaldo has defied the conventional trajectory of footballers’ careers, scoring goals with reckless abandon and proving that age is just a number.
Cristiano Ronaldo goals since turning 30 years old
Surprisingly, the Portuguese forward has scored a remarkable 422 goals since reaching this milestone, a feat that surpasses the entire career goal tallies of many legendary strikers.
Ronaldo’s remarkable scoring prowess has not waned with age; instead, it has continued to get better like fine wine.
Despite reaching the age of 39, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to display his goal-scoring instincts both for his country, Portugal, and his current club, Al Nassr.
His longevity in the sport is a testament to his dedication to maintaining peak physical and mental fitness.
Transitioning from a winger to a more goals-oriented role towards the end of his career at Real Madrid, Ronaldo evolved into a lethal goal-scoring machine.
Additionally, during his time at Italian giant Juventus, Cristiano Ronaldo predominantly played as a number 9.
This strategic shift, coupled with his unwavering sharpness, has seen him maintain an even greater scoring rate since turning 30 than in his earlier years.
In a candid interview with ESPN in 2022, Ronaldo attributed his sustained success to meticulous care of his body and mind.
Cristiano Ronaldo wants to keep playing until his 40s
He expressed a desire to continue playing well into his 40s, highlighting the importance of enjoying the present moment while striving for excellence.
“I want to find out if I’m going to play until I’m 40, 41, or 42, but the most important thing is that my daily goal is to enjoy the moment”, he said.
Notably, the impact of Cristiano Ronaldo goes beyond club football, as he continues to deliver for Portugal on the international stage.
His prolific year in 2019, where he scored 19 goals, exemplifies his enduring influence and importance to the national team, as emphasized by Portugal manager Roberto Martinez.
The ex-Everton manager Roberto Martinez reaffirmed Ronaldo’s importance to Portugal, even at 39.
Speaking with Record, he said: “He [Ronaldo] is very important, he has a unique experience at an international level.
“For us, he is important because he is a reference in the locker room and he is prepared to lead [the team to Euro 2024] and be the captain of this selection.”
In 2023, Cristiano Ronaldo concluded the calendar year with an astonishing tally of 54 goals for both club and country, outshining his peers across world football.
His recent exploits for Al Nassr further underscore his enduring brilliance, as evidenced by his back-to-back hat tricks and stellar performance in a commanding 8-0 victory over Abha.
The former Sporting Lisbon man was also awarded the Saudi Pro League Player of the Month for March, due to his outstanding display.
Ronaldo goals after turning 30 surpasses that of several football greats
Remarkably, Ronaldo’s goal-scoring prowess since turning 30 surpasses the entire career goal tallies of iconic strikers such as Samuel Eto’o (420), Thierry Henry (411), Didier Drogba (367), Wayne Rooney (366), Ruud van Nistelrooy (366), and Robin Van Persie (322).
His prolific output serves as a testament to his unparalleled talent and relentless pursuit of excellence on the football pitch.
As Cristiano Ronaldo continues to defy age and rewrite records, his legacy as one of the greatest footballers of all time only grows stronger.
With each goal scored, he cements his place in the annals of football history, inspiring future generations with his extraordinary achievements and unwavering determination.
