Real Madrid Legend Names What Makes Cristiano Ronaldo Unique
- A Real Madrid legend has disclosed the one trait that sets Cristiano Ronaldo apart from the rest
- He believes the Al-Nassr star still has what it takes to shine at the 2026 World Cup despite his age
- Meanwhile, Ronaldo is chasing his first major silverware with Al-Nassr as they target both domestic and continental glory
Legendary Real Madrid defender Fernando Hierro has opened up on what makes Cristiano Ronaldo stand out even at this stage of his career.
According to Hierro, a rare mix of discipline and drive has kept Ronaldo performing at the highest level, despite growing concerns about his age and long-term role with the Portugal national team.
Source: Getty Images
Madrid legend names what makes Ronaldo unique
Having worked closely with Ronaldo in Riyadh, Hierro believes the forward’s physical condition and mindset remain unmatched in the modern game.
In his view, as Ronaldo is not plagued by injuries, he remains an automatic choice for Roberto Martínez.
The former Spain international, who captained Real Madrid between 2001 and 2003, pointed to Ronaldo’s hunger as the defining trait that separates him from others. He told Egyptian channel ON Sport, as quoted by Goal:
"Working with Cristiano Ronaldo is an exceptional experience in every sense. We're not just talking about a great player, but a unique model of professionalism and discipline.
"What truly sets him apart is his constant passion. Despite his age, he still has the same desire to win, score goals, and improve."
The numbers still speak loudly for CR7. According to Transfermarkt, Ronaldo has scored 24 goals and added two assists in 25 matches this season.
Ronaldo's output, despite being told he is not the best player in the Saudi League, has powered Al-Nassr to the top of the division, where they sit eight points clear of Al-Hilal with five games remaining.
He has also played a key role in guiding the Riyadh-based club to the final of the AFC Champions League Elite Two, keeping alive hopes of a strong finish to the campaign.
With two trophies still within reach, the 41-year-old, who aims to expand his portfolio after retirement, is pushing to stay sharp, with one eye firmly on the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Source: Getty Images
Ronaldo eyes World Cup glory with Portugal
With that unrelenting desire still burning, Ronaldo is expected to spearhead Portugal’s push for success on the global stage once again.
Historically, the Seleção’s best finish at the World Cup came in 1966 when Eusébio inspired them to third place. Fourty years later, they followed that with a fourth-place finish in 2006.
At the last edition, Portugal bowed out in the quarter-finals after a narrow defeat to Morocco, who made history as the first African side to reach the semi-finals.
Watch how Morocco pipped Portugal, as shared on YouTube:
Now under the guidance of Martínez and with a talented squad at their disposal, Portugal will believe this could be their moment.
For Ronaldo, it could also be a final shot at lifting the World Cup trophy, as he prepares for what would be his sixth appearance at football’s biggest tournament.
They have been drawn in Group K alongside DR Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia.
Ronaldo bans one drink from his diet
In another publication, YEN.com.gh reported that Cristiano Ronaldo has cut out one drink from his diet as part of his quest to maintain peak fitness.
The Al-Nassr star has deliberately eliminated milk from his nutrition plan, believing it is not a natural component of an adult diet.
Source: YEN.com.gh
