Cristiano Ronaldo's childhood friend reveals REAL reason former Real Madrid man is so professional

One of Cristiano Ronaldo’s childhood friends has given an insight into the reason why the Portuguese is so on top of his health and fitness.

Ronaldo, 39, has led an illustrious career spanning 23 years and he still seemingly has no plans to retire anytime soon.

Despite being in the twilight of his playing career, the Portuguese continues to score goals having netted 13 times in 15 games for the Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr this term – taking his overall tally since joining the club to 77 strikes in 86 games.

And despite obviously possessing elite-level technique, one of the reasons for Ronaldo’s longevity is his professionalism and desire to stay in the best shape possible.

The former Real Madrid forward combines a strict diet with an intense fitness routine to optimise his on-pitch performance.

In 2023, the Mail reported that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner visits the gym five times per week and spends three to four hours there.

Cristiano Ronaldo is still playing at 39 years old (Credit:Getty)

And given his chiselled physique, the results are there for everyone to see.

"[You have to] Be disciplined,” Ronaldo has said previously. “Keeping yourself motivated and sticking to your routine is key. For me, there is no room for easing off so I have to be strict.”

The Mail’s report also explained how the former Manchester United man has employed a nutritionist since his time at Real Madrid and “loves nutrient-rich foods such avocado and fresh fish and generally sticks to high-protein, low-fat foods like chicken".

Why is Cristiano Ronaldo so professional?

Of course, most footballers are in great condition, but Ronaldo is usually the player people think of when the word ‘professional’ is mentioned.

Fans may question the reasons for Ronaldo’s high levels of motivation. Well, back in 2015 one of his closest childhood friends, Jose Semedo, told a story of Ronaldo’s mind-blowing competitiveness.

“Some of our friends said, at one point, that I was bigger than him,” Semedo told The Times in 2015.

“He started going to the gym without calling me. He was always like that. It is in his DNA — he cannot lose. We would have races: I would set off early, then as soon as he caught me, I would stop and say I had won. He wouldn’t talk to me for days.”

Semedo, 40, forged a respectable career in his own right, playing over 400 games for various clubs including spells in England with Sheffield Wednesday and Charlton Athletic.