The GOAT is still playing in his forties!

By Syed Fahad Ali

Who is GOAT?

This question has been a conundrum in football, akin to the age-old debate of “Diego Maradona or Pele?” It is a controversial question and for a true football enthusiast, it’s hard to decide who holds the title of ‘GOAT’. By now, you probably know whom I’m talking about. He is the beast of every era in football, he is the bully of football, the greatest of all time – Cristiano Ronaldo Dos Santos Aveiro.

His Biography
Ronaldo led a very humble life as his mother was a house sweeper. He used to clean streets as well while his father was a gardener. Earlier, he struggled for food and basic amenities. But now, he earns $220 million (Rs 20 crores) per month.

Ronaldo loved football since he was a youngster and wanted to make a profession out of it. So, he dropped out of school in the middle of his studies and became a Portuguese professional footballer who plays as a forward for and captains both Saudi Pro League club Al -Nassr and the Portugal national team. Ronaldo’s iconic celebration, where he runs, swings his hands, jumps and says, “SUIII” means “YES” in Spanish, is one of the most iconic moments in football history.

Competitor
Lionel Messi, my second favorite footballer, is his biggest rival. These two legends are still compared with each other in their prime. Both are often referred to as the ‘GOAT’ or ‘aliens’, owing to their marvelous performances. They both have achieved a lot of awards in their life. Their competition is intense and their fans can be quite passionate. However, it’s essential to note that in real life, Ronaldo and Messi, show respect to each other.

Club Career
Ronaldo has played for several top clubs throughout his career, including:

Sporting CP (2002-2003): He started his senior career with Sporting CP in Portugal.

Manchester United (2003-2009): Ronaldo gained global recognition while playing for Manchester United in the English Premier League. He won numerous titles with the club, including three Premier League titles and a UEFA Champions League trophy, he is also known as Mr. UCL.

Real Madrid (2009-2018): Ronaldo transferred to Real Madrid for a then-world record fee. During his time there, he became the club’s all-time leading scorer and won four Champions League titles among other trophies.

Juventus (2018-2021): Ronaldo transferred to Juventus in Italy and continued to be a prolific scorer in Series A. In August 2021, Cristiano Ronaldo made a highly anticipated return to Manchester United, signing a contract with the club.

Work Ethic – Beyond Compare

Ronaldo is known for his incredible work ethic, dedication to training, and maintaining peak physical condition throughout his career. His commitment to his craft has contributed significantly to his success.

Off the Pitch

Ronaldo is a prominent figure off the pitch. He has been involved in various charitable activities and has a strong presence on social media. His marketability has led to numerous endorsement deals and business ventures. He is also humble and donates money to charity. He even sold one of his prestigious awards (golden boot) for affected people in Syria. Another remarkable act of compassion occurred when Ronaldo faced trolling from Moroccan fans after a devastating 1-0 loss in one of his most important matches during his last World Cup. But, he donated to help those affected by a massive earthquake in Morocco, providing shelter in a hotel.

Playing Style

Ronaldo is celebrated for his explosive speed, agility, and exceptional technical skills. He is a versatile player who can play in multiple positions, including winger, striker, and attacking midfielder. His playing style is characterised by his ability to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates, as well as his precision in finishing goals. He is also known for his physicality and strength, which allows him to dominate in the air and win one-on-one battles with defenders.

Impact on the Game

Ronaldo’s influence on the game of soccer is undeniable. He has won numerous individual awards, including five ‘Ballon d’Or’ awards, and has helped lead his teams to multiple league titles and Champions League victories. Ronaldo’s goal-scoring prowess and leadership on the field have made him a role model for young players around the world. He has also been an influential figure off the field, using his platform to raise awareness for social issues and charitable causes.

What inspires me

For me, Ronaldo is not just a player; he is an emotion, and an idol. While I admired Messi in my childhood, I’ve grown older to view Ronaldo as the superior player. Of course, everyone’s perspective differs. I love Ronaldo because he motivates me a lot with his inspirational quotes like “Passion>Money”. Despite his popularity, he also endures a fair amount of hate. But his response to this is both powerful and inspiring: “Your love makes me strong and your hate makes me unstoppable”.