Being Cristiano Ronaldo Isn’t Easy” – Riyad Mahrez in Awe of CR7’s “Truly Extraordinary” Performances at 40**
Cristiano Ronaldo. Even at **40 years old**, the Al-Nassr legend continues to defy the expectations of time, agility, and age. And now, one of his Saudi Pro League adversaries—**Riyad Mahrez** of Al-Ahli—has publicly expressed his deep admiration. Mahrez’s remarks paint a vivid picture: normal routines pale in comparison to Cristiano’s relentless professionalism and undiminished hunger.
—
## **Unwavering Excellence at 40**
Ronaldo, now in his fifth decade, remains world-class. During the **2023–24 Saudi Pro League** season, he finished as top‑scorer with a staggering **35 league goals**, breaking records along the way ([The Guardian][1], [Goal][2], [Wikipedia][3]). Off the pitch, in international competition, he recently achieved historic milestones: becoming the **first player in Nations League history to score at age 40**, leading Portugal to a semi‑final win over Germany, and then steering his country to victory in the 2025 final—becoming the first captain to win the tournament twice ([Wikipedia][4]).
This kind of sustained output, both physically and mentally, is rare—even if you are Ronaldo.
—
## **Mahrez’s Respect Comes Through Loud and Clear**
In a pointed recent interview, Riyad Mahrez was asked about playing against Ronaldo and he didn’t hold back. “Being Cristiano Ronaldo isn’t easy,” he said, adding that CR7’s performances at 40 are “**truly extraordinary**” ([Goal][2]).
Think about that: a player known as La Pulga, known for his own exceptional skill level, admitting Ronaldo’s prime—at 40—is still remarkably imposing.
—
## **What Makes Ronaldo “Not Easy”?**
### 1. **The Physical Defiance of Age**
At an age when many professionals begin considering retirement, Ronaldo continues to train like an elite athlete. His stamina, pace, and shot power don’t just hint—they shout—that time has yet to slow him down. Multiple teammates and commentators have remarked that he seems more like a player in his early 30s than a man past 40 ([Goal][2]).
### 2. **Mental Sharpness and Motivation**
Ronaldo’s drive remains uncompromised by his trophy-laden legacy. Former Saudi star Hussein Abdulghani observed that “Cristiano runs after the ball like a child,” describing a passion that rivals the zeal of younger players, despite having already achieved everything in football ([EssentiallySports][5]).
### 3. **Consistency on the Big Stage**
A career in which he became the first man to reach **900 career goals**, earned record international caps, and continued influencing decisive matches for club and country—even in 2025—underscores a level of competitiveness unmatched by peers ([Wikipedia][4]).
—
## **Mahrez’s Perspective: “In Awe” of an Icon**
Mahrez, himself an elite talent, is now in his early 30s. After leaving Manchester City for Al-Ahli in **mid-2023**, he has spent two seasons adjusting to a growing—and competitive—Saudi league ([Wikipedia][6]). Despite his own pedigree, Mahrez emphasized how challenging Ronaldo is to compete against:
> “Being Cristiano Ronaldo isn’t easy… \[his] performances at 40 are truly extraordinary.” ([Goal][2])
Within that assessment, there’s both reverence and recognition of distinct difference: Mahrez, excellent in his own right, views Ronaldo as in a separate, undefeated class.
—
## **Beyond the Compliment: The Broader Context**
### A. **Ronaldo’s Role in Saudi Football’s Rise**
Since moving to Al-Nassr, Ronaldo has often spoken of the Saudi Pro League’s ambitions to enter the top five football leagues globally. He reiterated this belief in mid-2025 after renewing his contract, insisting Saudi football is already among the elite—or rapidly heading there ([Pulse Sports Nigeria][7]).
### B. **Mahrez’s Balanced Disagreement**
Mahrez, however, declined to echo that bold claim. Speaking in July 2025, he said:
> “I don’t agree with Cristiano … the five big European leagues are ahead. We’re not far off … we can compete long term … I think they’ll get there. … Players like me … are pioneers … helping to make this league stronger” ([Pulse Sports Nigeria][8]).
His tone was respectful, but pointed: yes, the league is improving—but yes, Europe’s elite remain the benchmark.
—
## **What This Means: Ronaldo at 40, Still Setting the Standard**
### 1. **Longevity Redefined**
At 40, many footballers shift roles: play fewer minutes, adopt mentorship roles, or slow down. Ronaldo is doing none of that. Instead, he sets the pace for training, matches, and decisive contributions—as evidenced in goal tallies, match-winning performances, and leadership ([Wikipedia][9], [Wikipedia][4], [Wikipedia][3]).
### 2. **An Unmatched Competitive DNA**
Mahrez’s respect stems from recognizing unchanged intensity. As Abdulghani summarized it, Ronaldo’s energy toward the sport is childlike and unstoppable—despite his accumulated titles ([EssentiallySports][5]). That obsessive competitive edge is central to what makes “being Cristiano Ronaldo” so hard.
### 3. **Inspiring Others to Raise Their Game**
Even Mahrez’s tone—from qualified dissent (on league ranking) to downright admiration—reflects how Ronaldo’s presence elevates opponents. His professionalism and consistency force peers to step up or witness history in the making firsthand.
—
## **Why This Commentary Matters**
* **Validation from a Peer**: Mahrez, a decorated winger and former Premier League star, could easily brush aside Ronaldo’s longevity. Instead, he openly admires it. That acknowledgment reinforces the narrative that CR7 remains exceptional.
* **Age vs. Performance**: With Ronaldo continuing to deliver elite-level results, the typical career arc is disrupted. His ability to lead Portugal to another Nations League trophy—scoring in critical knockout games—defies typical aging stereotypes ([Wikipedia][4], [Foot Africa][10]).
* **League Spotlight**: Both Mahrez and Ronaldo – high-profile signings in Saudi Arabia – offer different but complementary perspectives on the league’s growth. Mahrez’s respect for Ronaldo’s resilience is part of the broader story: Saudi football’s rise—and the fierce competition stirring inside it.
—
## **Mahrez vs Ronaldo: A Snapshot Comparison**
| Aspect | **Cristiano Ronaldo** | **Riyad Mahrez** |
| ——————– | —————————————————————————————————————– | ————————————————————————– |
| Age | 40 | 32 (born 21 Feb 1991) ([Wikipedia][6]) |
| Current Club | Al-Nassr | Al-Ahli |
| Saudi League Career | Joined 2023, renewed contract in 2025 | Joined mid-2023, now two seasons in |
| Recent Performance | 35 league goals (2023–24), major international goals at 40 tasks ([Wikipedia][3], [Wikipedia][4], [Wikipedia][9]) | 63 club appearances, 19 goals in two seasons with Al‑Ahli ([Wikipedia][6]) |
| League Viewpoint | Believes SPL is top‑5 globally | Disagrees; calls it developing, with long‑term goals |
| Mahrez’s View on CR7 | “Being Cristiano Ronaldo isn’t easy… truly extraordinary” | – |
—
## **Closing Reflection**
Cristiano Ronaldo at 40 is more than a novelty—he’s a standard. Riyad Mahrez’s remarks aren’t mere lip service; they come from understanding the demands of elite football firsthand. To face Ronaldo at 40 is to face a contradiction between calendar years and capability—time has seemingly lost its power.
Mahrez’s awe shows that even among football elites, greatness doesn’t easily fade. Instead, Ronaldo’s ongoing excellence becomes an enduring benchmark—something his rivals encounter, and respect, even as they prepare to test themselves against his relentless excellence.
—
In sum, Mahrez’s tribute is as much recognition as challenge: it underscores that **being Cristiano Ronaldo at 40 is not just rare, but unimaginable for most—and utterly admirable**.
[1]: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/aug/07/manchesterunited.ronaldo1?utm_source=chatgpt.com “In his own words: Ronaldo reveals all about Ferguson, his football dreams and his future”
[2]: https://www.goal.com/en/lists/being-cristiano-ronaldo-isnt-easy-al-nassr-superstar-truly-extraordinary-40-al-ahli-rival-riyad-mahrez-awe/blt5aca5f6c8de02b4f?utm_source=chatgpt.com “‘Being Cristiano Ronaldo isn’t easy’ – Al-Nassr superstar’s ‘truly extraordinary’ performances at 40 leave Al-Ahli rival Riyad Mahrez in awe | Goal.com”
[3]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023%E2%80%9324_Saudi_Pro_League?utm_source=chatgpt.com “2023–24 Saudi Pro League”
[4]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Career_of_Cristiano_Ronaldo?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Career of Cristiano Ronaldo”
[5]: https://www.essentiallysports.com/soccer-football-news-former-saudi-star-eviscerates-riyad-mahrez-for-lacking-cristiano-ronaldos-passion/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Former Saudi Star Eviscerates Riyad Mahrez for Lacking Cristiano Ronaldo’s Passion – EssentiallySports”
[6]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riyad_Mahrez?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Riyad Mahrez”
[7]: https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/theyll-get-there-riyad-mahrez-disagrees-with-cristiano-ronaldo-2025072108350171676?utm_source=chatgpt.com “‘They’ll get there’ – Riyad Mahrez disagrees with Cristiano Ronaldo”
[8]: https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/mahrez-rejects-ronaldos-controversial-saudi-pro-league-opinion-utm_source=chatgpt.com “Mahrez rejects Ronaldo’s controversial Saudi Pro League opinion”
[9]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023%E2%80%9324_Al_Nassr_FC_season?utm_source=chatgpt.com “2023–24 Al Nassr FC season”
[10]: https://foot-africa.com/en/news/mahrez-disagrees-with-ronaldo-over-saudi-leagues-global-ranking-805709/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Mahrez Disagrees with Ronaldo Over Saudi League’s Global Ranking – Foot Africa”