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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Ronaldo turned 40 on Wednesday</li><li>Portuguese showing no signs of slowing down</li><li>Ferdinand lavished praise on Ronaldo</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Cristiano Ronaldo hailed for still taking football to 'another stratosphere' at 40 despite 'having more money than God' as ex-Man Utd team-mate shuts down 'selfish' claims

<p>The five-time Ballon d’Or winner recently stated in an interview with <em>La Sexta</em> that he <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/carlo-ancelotti-backs-cristiano-ronaldo-s-goat-claim-over-lionel-messi-real-madrid-pay-special-tribute-to-cr7-40th-birthday/bltc2c5fd27528a1783" target="_blank">considers himself the greatest </a>footballer of all time. He argued that his trophy collection and goal-scoring feats justify his place at the<a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/i-know-i-m-guilty-cristiano-ronaldo-claims-he-s-been-devalued-since-setting-terrible-1-000-goal-target/bltb3308b3462557257" target="_blank"> top of the football hierarchy.</a></p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Ronaldo's comments reignited debates over whether his relentless pursuit of personal records overshadows his team contributions. Critics have often portrayed him as ego-driven, pointing to his visible frustration on the pitch when things do not go his way.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>However, Ferdinand was quick to dismiss those accusations, arguing that Ronaldo’s mentality is what makes him a once-in-a-lifetime player.<br>"People need to understand sometimes - they look at him and think that he is the highest-paid, a good-looking guy - he is going to be selfish, etc. They are far from the truth," he said in an interview with <a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/videos/cy5k13p10dro" target="_blank"><em>BBC.</em></a></p><p>"He is a man who wants to be remembered forever. He has done nothing short of greatness. He has rejigged the record books in so many different categories within the game - physically, he has taken it to another planet, another stratosphere. What he is achieving, what he is doing, his age, his consistency over so many years. He doesn't need to prove anything to anyone. He has got more money than God. He has won more trophies than most. He has the most goals. He still wants to get up and see himself looking for that extra one per cent to be the best. He is just different. He is made different."</p>

WHAT FERDINAND SAID

<p>Despite continuing to dominate on the pitch, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/cristiano-ronaldo-s-ultimate-dream-revealed-former-portugal-team-mate-al-nassr-s-star-s-final-transfer-wish/blt70a2d4c291fecd10#csc1179ee3c164e401" target="_blank">Ronaldo has yet to extend his contract</a> with Al-Nassr, which is set to expire at the end of the 2024-25 season. However, it has been reported that the Saudi club are preparing a lucrative contract extension that could see Ronaldo earn an astonishing <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/cr7-cristiano-ronaldo-mindblowing-new-al-nassr-contract-550000-per-day/blt4fa3870e9c32d1e5#cs7e572a50a1b24197" target="_blank">€550,000 (£457,000/$568,000) per day.</a> </p>

DID YOU KNOW?

<p>As the debate over his legacy continues, one thing is certain - Ronaldo is still redefining football’s limits, even at 40 years old. He will next be in action on Friday as his Al-Nassr team face Al Feiha in a Saudi League encounter.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR RONALDO?

Cristiano Ronaldo hailed for still taking football to 'another stratosphere' at 40 despite 'having more money than God' as ex-Man Utd team-mate shuts down 'selfish' claims | Goal.com

Cristiano Ronaldo has been hailed for still taking football to &quot;another stratosphere&quot; at 40 as Rio Ferdinand shut down claims he is &quot;selfish&quot;.

Cristiano Ronaldo hailed for still taking football to &apos;another stratosphere&apos; at 40 despite &apos;having more money than God&apos; as ex-Man Utd team-mate shuts down &apos;selfish&apos; claims