Ronaldo Retires at 41: The Simple Habits Behind His Long Career

Cristiano Ronaldo is done playing for Portugal's national team. He is 41 years old. Over 23 years, he suited up 234 times for his country. He shared the news on Instagram with his 679 million followers. He said he is returning his number 7 jersey. The choice was not easy. He explained that big decisions come from the heart, not just the brain. His journey started back in August 2003.

His scoring record is hard to beat. Ronaldo has 985 career goals. Lionel Messi has 937. Pelé has 762. Ronaldo also holds the record for Ballon d'Or nominations with 18. He won the award five times. These numbers show he stayed great for a very long time.

Ronaldo credits his health habits for his success. He once said that talent means nothing without hard work. He believes in simple routines done every day for decades. His meals include lean meat, fish, and lots of vegetables. He avoids alcohol and too much sugar. Still, he does not follow a strict diet. He told a reporter that he can eat a hamburger and sweet potatoes if he wants. He even accepts cookies from his children. He does not label any food as bad. He thinks being relaxed about eating is important.

Sleep is another big piece. He says sleep matters most. His bedtime falls between 11 p.m. and midnight. He rises at 8:30 in the morning. Before bed, he enjoys a stroll with his wife or a film. His former coach Luis Castro worked with him at Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia. Castro said Ronaldo respects training and the game. He also does extra work before and after practice. Castro calls this invisible training. Good food, good sleep, and proper recovery keep Ronaldo going.