Key Takeaways:
- Cristiano Ronaldo turns 41 today, marking over four decades since his birth in Funchal
- The Portuguese star has scored 961 official goals, won five Ballon d’Or awards, and holds the record for both goals (143) and appearances (226) in international football
- Since joining Al-Nassr in 2023, Ronaldo continues to pursue his first official club trophy in Saudi Arabia and aims for his 1000th goal
A Journey From Funchal to Global Icon
Born in Funchal, Cristiano Ronaldo reaches 41 years of age today, maintaining his status as the Portuguese national team’s captain and an enduring figure in world football. Emerging from Sporting’s academy, Ronaldo’s early transfer to Manchester United put him on the path to continental success, culminating in his inaugural Ballon d’Or triumph. His time at Real Madrid saw him rewrite the club’s history books as their all-time leading scorer, claim four Champions League trophies, and spark an era-defining rivalry with Lionel Messi. Subsequently, he enjoyed spells at Juventus and a second stint at Manchester United, each period marked by remarkable achievements and statistics.
Happy 41st birthday to Cristiano Ronaldo 🥳🎂
→ 1308 Games
→ 961 Goals
→ 260 Assists
→ 5x Ballon d'Or winner
→ 4x European Golden Boots
→ All-time top scorer in Champions League history
→ All-time top scorer in national team history
→ All-time top scorer in historyAge… pic.twitter.com/bJAHCdt4KX
— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) February 4, 2026
Unmatched Achievements Across Club and Country
Over the course of his illustrious career, Ronaldo has accumulated five Ballon d’Or accolades and netted 961 official goals. He has consistently broken records, most notably at international level, where he boasts the highest number of goals (143) and appearances (226) in men’s national team history. His leadership propelled Portugal to triumph at Euro 2016, as well as two Nations League titles, underscoring his decisive influence for his country.
| Competition | Major Honours | Goals Scored |
|---|---|---|
| National Teams | Euro 2016, 2 Nations Leagues | 143 |
| Club (All Competitions) | 4 Champions Leagues (Real Madrid), Multiple League Titles | 961 (Total Career) |
Final Chapters in Saudi Arabia
In 2023, Ronaldo embarked on a new chapter with Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, pushing the boundaries of longevity at the highest echelons of the sport. While his tenure has been marked by prolific performances and continued global attention, he is yet to secure his first official club title for Al-Nassr. The Portuguese forward is also fixed upon reaching the unprecedented milestone of 1,000 official career goals.
Legacy Still in Motion
Having indelibly shaped the history of football, Cristiano Ronaldo’s career shows no signs of winding down. With records already broken and further ambitions set, it would not be unexpected to witness him add yet more memorable moments to his legendary story.
