Cristiano Ronaldo reveals secret behind his longevity

Cristiano Ronaldo has opened up about the key factor behind his remarkable longevity, crediting sleep and a disciplined routine as the foundation of his enduring success.

The 40-year-old Portuguese superstar, who continues to dominate in Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr, remains in world-class shape and shows no signs of slowing down.

With an eye still on records, Ronaldo is now chasing an extraordinary career milestone, 1,000 goals, and is just 51 strikes away from that target.

Sleep: Ronaldo’s secret weapon

In a new video shared by WHOOP, Ronaldo revealed that consistent, quality sleep is his “most important tool” for maintaining peak performance.

“Sleep is the most important tool that I have,” he said. “To be consistent with the time that I go to bed and that I wake up.

I go to bed around 11 or 12 and wake up around 8:30. It is my routine. It’s probably the most important thing we have in terms of health span.”

Known for his unmatched professionalism, Ronaldo’s career has long been defined by meticulous attention to detail, from diet and recovery to training intensity.

Since joining Al-Nassr, he has netted 105 goals in 118 appearances, winning back-to-back Saudi Pro League Golden Boots. This season, he already has five goals in five matches.

The relentless pursuit of 1,000 goals

Ronaldo has openly set his sights on reaching 1,000 career goals, a feat that even his former Manchester United teammate Danny Simpson believes is possible.

“I don’t think you can write him off,” Simpson told GOAL. “As long as he’s scoring and avoids injuries, it wouldn’t surprise me. I know he wants 1,000 goals. And I think he wants to play with his son.”

A dream to play with his son

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has repeatedly expressed his desire to share the pitch with his eldest son, 14-year-old Cristianinho, who is currently making waves in Al-Nassr’s youth setup.

“When I was his age, he is a little bit bigger and stronger,” Ronaldo said. “I was smaller. I think he’ll be bigger than me. Let’s see if he has the hunger, the hunger is the most difficult.”

For Ronaldo, who has conquered Europe’s top leagues, won five Champions League titles, and led Portugal to European and Nations League glory, his next goal is personal: to defy time long enough to play alongside his son.

“I would like it,” he admitted. “It’s not something that keeps me up at night, but I would like it. We’ll see. It’s more in his hands than in mine.”

Eyes on glory with Al-Nassr

While Ronaldo continues to pile up individual honours in Saudi Arabia, team success remains his next target.

Alongside compatriot João Félix, he has led Al-Nassr to a strong start this season and will look to sustain that momentum when they face Al-Hazm on Sunday.