The Enduring Legacy of Cristiano Ronaldo
It’s fascinating to consider that even in 2025, the Irish national team continues to face challenges when competing against Portugal, largely due to the presence of one individual: Cristiano Ronaldo. At 40 years old, Ronaldo is currently playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia. However, his performance on the international stage suggests he remains at the peak of his abilities. This year alone, he has scored six goals in five matches, contributing significantly to Portugal’s success in the UEFA Nations League and their strong position in the race for World Cup qualification in North America next summer.
Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia has proven to be a highly profitable decision. Throughout his career, he has earned substantial wealth while playing for top clubs such as Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus. Since joining Al-Nassr in 2023, he has reportedly received an annual salary of $237.5 million before bonuses, along with a 15% stake in the club.
In addition to his football earnings, Ronaldo’s CR7 brand and his partnership with Nike have further boosted his financial status. According to Bloomberg, his net worth is estimated to be around €1.2 billion, making him the first footballer to achieve billionaire status. This amount is sufficient to purchase Inter Milan, which Forbes estimates to be worth €1 billion as of 2025.
From his early days as a young talent playing alongside John O’Shea at Manchester United in 2003, Ronaldo has come a long way. Now, 22 years later, O’Shea, who is the assistant coach of the Irish national team, is preparing for a crucial match against Portugal in Lisbon this Saturday. The game is pivotal for Ireland’s World Cup qualification hopes, and Ronaldo remains a key threat on the field.
O’Shea shared his thoughts with the media ahead of the match, expressing admiration for Ronaldo’s dedication and commitment. “Nothing surprises me regarding the type of dedication and sacrifice he’s shown,” O’Shea said. “Yeah, he’s done okay. He’s done okay, the lad.”
However, O’Shea emphasized that the focus for the Irish team should be on dealing with Ronaldo as a player during the match. “But first and foremost, we have to deal with him as a footballer on Saturday evening, and that’s what we’ll be focusing on. And also the other threats that Portugal possesses.”
When asked whether Ronaldo was the most gifted player he ever played with, O’Shea avoided giving a definitive answer, steering clear of the ongoing debate about the greatest of all time (GOAT). “Oh, what a question that is. He’s been the most, I’d say, statistically the best, hasn’t he? So, most gifted? Probably just edge it, but there’s a few lads chasing him very close, I think.”
