Cristiano Ronaldo’s 40th Birthday Celebrations: A Global Football Tribute
Cristiano Ronaldo, one of football’s most iconic figures, celebrated his 40th birthday on February 5, 2025, with tributes pouring in from clubs, leagues, and fans worldwide. While the Portuguese superstar continues to defy age at Al-Nassr, his former clubs and the football community honored his legacy with heartfelt messages and grand gestures. Here’s a detailed look at how the football world commemorated CR7’s milestone birthday.
Real Madrid: A Historic Tribute After Six Years
For the first time since his departure in 2018, Real Madrid publicly celebrated Ronaldo’s birthday, calling him a “legend” in a heartfelt social media post. The club highlighted his unparalleled contributions during his nine-year stint, where he scored 450 goals in 438 games a record that remains untouched.
“Dear Cristiano, from Real Madrid we want to send you a warm congratulations on your 40th birthday. All Real Madrid fans are proud of your legend and what you represent for our history.” – Real Madrid’s official message.
Ronaldo himself recently reflected on his Madrid days, calling it the club where he felt “happiest” and achieved “beautiful things”. His four Champions League titles and four Ballon d’Or wins during this period solidified his status as a Madridista icon.
Al-Nassr: Saudi Arabia’s Grand Gestures
Ronaldo’s current club, Al-Nassr, orchestrated a city-wide celebration in Saudi Arabia. Billboards across Riyadh synchronized to display birthday messages, while fans flooded social media with tributes. The club’s coach, Stefano Pioli, praised his “obsessive” dedication, noting Ronaldo’s 35-goal Saudi Pro League record in 2024.Despite nearing 1,000 career goals (currently at 923), Ronaldo shows no signs of slowing down. His recent brace in the Asian Champions League marked his 700th club career win. A testament to his enduring impact.
Manchester United: Quiet Acknowledgment
While Manchester United where Ronaldo won his first Ballon d’Or has yet to issue a public birthday message, fans reminisced about his two stints at Old Trafford. His 145 goals and 64 assists for the club remain a cornerstone of his legacy. Social media trends highlighted iconic moments, such as his 2008 Champions League final goal and his emotional return in 2021.
Juventus and Sporting CP: Fond Memories
Juventus, where Ronaldo scored 101 goals in 134 games, and Sporting CP, his boyhood club, did not release official statements. However, fans from both clubs shared throwback clips of his Serie A dominance and early-career brilliance in Lisbon.
LaLiga and EPL: Indirect Tributes Through Legacy
While LaLiga and the English Premier League (EPL) didn’t issue direct birthday messages, their social media channels featured Ronaldo’s historic highlights. LaLiga emphasized his 311 goals in 292 appearances for Real Madrid, while the EPL celebrated his title-winning contributions to Manchester United.
FIFA and Global Recognition
Though FIFA hasn’t commented publicly, Ronaldo’s international achievements 135 goals in 217 caps for Portugal, Euro 2016 glory, and five Ballon d’Or wins—were widely celebrated. Teammates like Sergio Ramos and Vinicius Jr. shared personal messages, calling him an “inspiration”.
Fan Celebrations: A Social Media Storm
Fans worldwide trended #CR740 on platforms like X and Instagram, sharing art, montages, and stats. In Saudi Arabia, supporters organized car parades, while Lisbon’s streets saw murals honoring his journey from Sporting CP to global stardom.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Career Stats at Major Clubs
| Club | Matches | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Real Madrid | 438 | 450 | 131 |
| Manchester Utd | 346 | 145 | 64 |
| Juventus | 134 | 101 | 22 |
| Al-Nassr | 89 | 81 | 19 |
| Sporting CP | 31 | 5 | 6 |
The Road Ahead: Chasing 1,000 Goals
At 40, Ronaldo’s focus remains on breaking the 1,000-goal barrier (currently at 923). His Al-Nassr contract runs until 2026, and with Portugal eyeing the 2026 World Cup, retirement seems distant.
As he put it: “I continue with that passion. I’m different.”.
From Madrid’s emotional tribute to Saudi Arabia’s synchronized billboards, Cristiano Ronaldo’s 40th birthday underscored his transcendent influence on football. While clubs like Real Madrid and Al-Nassr led the celebrations, fans and peers alike reaffirmed his status as the sport’s most complete legend.
As CR7 himself declared: “I am the most complete player that has ever existed.”
and the world seems to agree.
