Cristiano Ronaldo Wins Special GOAT Award as Portuguese League Names Him Best Player of All Time

Cristiano Ronaldo has never been short of accolades, but this one feels particularly special. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has been named the Best Player of All Time by Liga Portugal, a recognition that cements his status as the ultimate footballing icon in his homeland. For a man who has spent over two decades at the summit of world football, this latest honour is another reminder of just how extraordinary his career has been — and, perhaps more impressively, how he’s still writing new chapters at 40 years old.

Best Player of All Time: Ronaldo’s Ultimate Tribute

The award was presented at the Portuguese professional league’s annual ceremony, with Ronaldo delivering a heartfelt video message to the audience. In true CR7 fashion, he didn’t just make it about himself — he took time to thank his team-mates, coaches, and supporters who have been part of his journey.

“I’d like to thank Liga Portugal for this award, being named the best player of all time. As you can imagine, it is a great honour to win something for my country,” he said. “First of all, I’d like to thank all my team-mates who have helped me throughout my career to win this wonderful trophy, as well as all the coaches and everyone who has supported me on this journey of always pushing to improve. Thank you all so much.”

This recognition is not just about statistics — though Ronaldo’s numbers are staggering — but about the way he has represented Portuguese football to the world. From his early days at Sporting CP to conquering England, Spain, and Italy, he has been the nation’s ultimate sporting ambassador.

A Career of Records and Glory

Calling Ronaldo the Best Player of All Time is not just a romantic gesture. It is backed up by two decades of relentless excellence. He has won league titles with Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, becoming a goalscoring centurion for all three clubs — a feat that is almost unheard of in modern football.

In the Champions League, he is the all-time top scorer, the man who defined an era of European nights under the lights. His goals helped Real Madrid to four Champions League titles in five years, including the famous “La Decimotercera” run where he was practically unstoppable.

On the international stage, his tally of 223 caps and 141 goals for Portugal puts him comfortably ahead of any other player in history. These are numbers that might never be beaten. And far from winding down, Ronaldo remains a key figure in Portugal’s setup, helping them to a second UEFA Nations League crown this past summer.

Still Going Strong at 40

What makes this award even more special is the fact that Ronaldo is still performing at the highest level. While many players have long retired by this age, Ronaldo is leading the line for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League and is as hungry as ever.

Earlier this year, he committed to a new two-year contract with the Saudi side, meaning we are likely to see him playing well into his 40s. His fitness and professionalism have set the gold standard for longevity, inspiring younger generations to take care of their bodies and believe they can play elite football beyond their mid-30s.

Chasing 1,000 Career Goals

Perhaps the most tantalising subplot in Ronaldo’s career right now is his pursuit of 1,000 career goals. He currently sits on 943 — just 57 shy of that remarkable milestone. Considering his scoring rate in recent months, it’s not unrealistic to think he could reach the landmark before his contract in Saudi Arabia expires.

To put that in perspective, no other player in modern football has come close to such a tally. Even his eternal rival Lionel Messi, with whom he has shared the spotlight for nearly two decades, is trailing him in this particular race. The idea that Ronaldo could become the first player in history to score 1,000 professional goals is nothing short of extraordinary.

The GOAT Debate: Ronaldo’s Case Grows Stronger

Awards like this naturally reignite the eternal GOAT (Greatest of All Time) debate. For years, football fans have argued over whether Ronaldo or Messi deserves the crown. While personal preference will always play a role, Ronaldo’s case is now stronger than ever.

He has proven himself in multiple leagues, adapted his game as he aged, and maintained an astonishing level of productivity well past the age where most forwards call it a day. His mentality — the relentless drive to keep improving — is what truly sets him apart.

This Liga Portugal recognition doesn’t settle the debate once and for all, but it does provide a powerful statement from his home country: that to them, there is no one greater.

Focus Turns to the 2026 World Cup

Ronaldo’s attention will soon return to international duty, with the 2026 World Cup looming ever closer. It is widely expected to be his last appearance on football’s biggest stage, and you can be sure he’ll want to go out with a bang. Portugal have an exciting mix of youth and experience, and if Ronaldo can lead them to another deep run — or even a second World Cup triumph — it would be the perfect capstone to a legendary career.

For now, though, he will savour this honour, one that recognises not just the goals, trophies, and records, but the passion and professionalism that have defined him for over 20 years.