Ronaldo, 40, still rewrites history

Cristiano Ronaldo ended Portugal’s September training camp with historic milestones, taking the team to the top of Group F of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers with an all-win record.

At the age of 40, CR7 not only proves his enduring influence, but also shows the ambition of a monument that never backs down.

At the age of 40, CR7 not only proves his enduring influence, but also shows the ambition of a monument that never backs down.

Two games, two wins, one short message

In the space of a week, Portugal played two 2026 World Cup qualifiers and both came away with victories. The opening match, the European “Seleção” crushed Armenia 5-0, in which Ronaldo scored twice, making his mark on the day he returned after winning the Nations League in June. When it came to the away match in Hungary, Portugal had to struggle to win 3-2, but Ronaldo still left his mark with a valuable goal.

After the final whistle blew in Budapest, Ronaldo didn’t say much. He simply wrote on social media: “Two games, two wins. Go Portugal.” Seven short words, but they accurately reflected the mindset of the superstar who has turned 40: simple, concise but full of determination.

The goal against Hungary was significant. It tied Guatemala legend Carlos “Pescadito” Ruiz’s record of 39 goals in World Cup qualifying – the most in history across all continents. It also meant he surpassed Lionel Messi, his long-time rival in a two-decade rivalry.

Ronaldo still maintains impressive form at the age of 40.

Ronaldo’s chance to claim the record is clear. Next October, Portugal will host the Republic of Ireland and play Hungary again. If he continues to score, CR7 will stand alone at the top, affirming his position as the greatest “goal machine” in football history.

Not only is Ronaldo chasing a scoring record, he is also aiming for a special milestone: becoming the first player, or at least alongside Messi, to appear in 6 World Cups. Since his debut in 2006, the Portuguese superstar has accompanied world football for nearly two decades. The fact that he is expected to appear in another World Cup, at the age of 41, is a testament to his rare perseverance and extraordinary will.

Throughout his career, Ronaldo has been associated with numbers. And at 40, those numbers are still growing. 27 goals in 30 games in 2025 for Al Nassr is clear evidence: even though he no longer plays in Europe, CR7 still maintains an outstanding scoring efficiency. The milestone of 1,000 career goals, now 57 goals away, is no longer far away.

On a team level, Ronaldo and Al Nassr are aiming to win the AFC Champions League Two. Just a few days after finishing the training camp with Portugal, he immediately returned to prepare for a meeting with Al Kholood in the Saudi Pro League, and then compete in the continental arena with Tajikistan’s FC Istiklol. That busy schedule shows that Ronaldo is still living in the fierce cycle of top-flight football, instead of choosing a comfortable end-of-career lifestyle.

Answers to doubts

Over the years, Ronaldo has often faced doubts: is his age causing him to step back? Is leaving Europe for Saudi Arabia a sign of decline? But each goal, each milestone, each short message he left behind is enough to confirm the opposite. Ronaldo has never considered himself a “veteran”, he still defines himself by his desire to conquer.

Ronaldo is not stopping yet.

In fact, in Portugal today, many young talents such as Pedro Neto, João Neves or Gonçalo Ramos are maturing. But Ronaldo is still the mainstay. He is no longer as explosive in every match as he was at 25, but his mettle, efficiency and leadership are things that no one can replace. The goal against Hungary – not only equaled Ruiz’s record but also helped the home team win – is a typical proof: when Portugal needed, Ronaldo was still there.

The way Ronaldo celebrated with Bruno Fernandes, Pedro Neto and João Neves after the win over Hungary was more than just a celebration of victory. It was a picture of a generation coming together, led by a man who has been through it all. And Ronaldo, with his professionalism and ambition, remains the one to carry the torch.

For fans, that image also affirms the lasting value of football: glory comes not only from youth, but also from will and dedication. At 40, Ronaldo is still fighting to expand his own limits, and the concept of “age” in football.

The September training camp ended with a clear message: Ronaldo is not done yet. He is still scoring, still breaking records, still inspiring. The victory over Hungary not only gave Portugal a complete victory, but also marked an important milestone in CR7’s personal journey.

The challenges ahead – from World Cup qualifiers, Saudi Pro League to AFC Champions League Two – will see Ronaldo continue to write history. And with the way he has maintained his form, desire and charisma, it is hard to believe that the Cristiano Ronaldo story will end anytime soon.