Football legend Ronaldo Nazario, the phenomenon, has opened up about his career, admitting that his approach to training was very different from that of Cristiano Ronaldo, a difference he believes may have limited what he could have achieved.
Speaking about their contrasting mindsets, the two-time World Cup winner revealed that while his own game relied heavily on natural talent, he often lacked the discipline that Cristiano is known for.
Ronaldo said in a candid reflection:
“The difference between me and Cristiano is that I trained out of obligation, and sometimes I did not even train. He trains because he loves it. I became a world champion and broke many records. Imagine what I could have achieved if I had trained like him. Talent alone was never enough. Passion for hard work made the difference.”
Two icons, different paths
Ronaldo Nazario retired in 2011 after a glittering career that included stints at PSV Eindhoven, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, and AC Milan. Although he never won the Champions League, he remains one of the most naturally gifted and admired forwards in football history.
Cristiano Ronaldo, now 40, continues to compete at the highest level with Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia. The Portuguese forward is chasing the historic milestone of 1,000 career goals, having already scored 946 times since making his professional debut with Sporting Lisbon.
While Ronaldo Nazario’s game was defined by flair and instinct, Cristiano’s has been shaped by discipline, consistency, and a relentless work ethic.
The two icons are united by their greatness but separated by the paths they took to achieve it. Despite the superior goal-scoring numbers Cristiano Ronaldo possesses, many still consider Ronaldo Nazario the greatest striker to ever play the beautiful game.
Meanwhile, Al Nassr maintained their flawless start to their new Saudi Pro League season with a resounding 5-1 win over Al Fateh at Al Awwal Park last night. Joao Felix netted a hat trick whileCristiano Ronaldo scored a stunning goal in the 60th minute from outside the box after missing a penalty. Kingsley Coman added another goal for Al Nassr in the 75th minute, while Sofiane Bendebka scored the lone goal for Al Fateh in the 54th.
Al Nassr now lead the Saudi Pro League table by four points, securing 15 points from a perfect five wins in five matches.
Joao Felix was the standout performer of the night. He opened the scoring in the 13th minute with a brilliant strike from distance that set the tone for Al Nassr’s dominance. After Al Fateh briefly equalised through Bendebka, Felix struck twice more to complete a superb hat trick, continuing his dream start to life at the club. He has two hat-tricks in five Saudi Pro League games.
Ronaldo had a moment that summed up his career with resilience and passion. After missing a penalty earlier in the second half, the Portuguese superstar responded within minutes. Picking up the ball outside the box, he unleashed a thunderbolt that flew into the top corner. What a strike that was.
The stadium erupted as Ronaldo removed his shirt in celebration, flexing and roaring toward the crowd in pure emotion. It was a classic CR7 moment filled with relief, fire, and greatness. The goal marked his 949th career strike, proving once again that age has not dimmed his brilliance.
