Cristiano Ronaldo, the man with five Ballon d’Ors and countless records, is being hailed as the "greatest role model in football history"—and his "big ego" is getting all the credit.
The Al-Nassr superstar may be 39, but his drive and ambition continue to amaze fans and legends alike. Even as he edges closer to retirement, Ronaldo’s desire to push limits remains unstoppable.
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Ego or excellence? The secret to success for Ronaldo
World Cup winner Emmanuel Petit recently weighed in on what makes Ronaldo so special. Speaking to TV Kampen, Petit highlighted that it’s Ronaldo’s confidence—or “big ego”—that has pushed him to greatness.
“He has a big ego, but that ego drove him on every single day to be the very best he could," Petit said, adding, "He has set the example for 15 years and I have huge respect for him.”
It’s no secret that Ronaldo’s larger-than-life personality isn’t for everyone, but his incredible dedication to staying at the top is undeniable.
Whether it’s banging in goals for Al-Nassr or leading Portugal, Ronaldo’s pursuit of perfection has made him a role model for athletes across the world. Petit echoed this sentiment, stating, “In terms of the mental side and physical side, what an example Cristiano Ronaldo has set.”
Chasing records, defying age
At 39, most players are winding down their careers, but Ronaldo isn’t just any player. With over 900 career goals, he’s aiming to hit 1,000 before hanging up his boots.
His relentless pursuit of breaking records, combined with his elite fitness levels, has placed him in a league of his own.
Whether you love him or loathe him, Ronaldo’s impact on the game is crystal clear. As Petit perfectly summed it up, “Cristiano Ronaldo can be considered the greatest role model in football history when you look at where he came from and where he is today.”
So, the next time someone talks about Ronaldo's ego, maybe it's time to see it for what it truly is—a fuel for greatness.
