Long before Cristiano Ronaldo became a global football icon, he boldly predicted he would become the best player in the world. Former Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar recalls the hungry young man who made this claim, a declaration that was far from exaggerated given the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s legendary career.
Cristiano Ronaldo, now a global football legend and five-time Ballon d’Or winner, has consistently proven his remarkable ambition. In the early days of his career at Manchester United, the then-young Portuguese star made a bold prediction that would leave a lasting impression on his former teammate, Edwin van der Sar.
“I’ll Be the Best in the World” – Ronaldo’s Bold Prediction
Van der Sar, speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, reflected on the hunger and ambition that Ronaldo showed even in his early days at United. The legendary Dutch goalkeeper, who played alongside Ronaldo during his first stint at Old Trafford, revealed the startling confidence that the young forward displayed.
Ronaldo, who had just joined Manchester United in 2003, was already determined to make his mark on the footballing world. Van der Sar recalled, “Cristiano was incredible; he was always in the gym before and after training. I’d never seen such a hungry young man. He always told me: ‘Edwin, I’m going to be the best in the world.’ I told him not to overdo it, but he was right.”
Ronaldo’s Journey to the Top
Ronaldo’s journey from those early days at Old Trafford to becoming one of the greatest players in football history has been nothing short of extraordinary. After winning his first Ballon d’Or in 2008, Ronaldo went on to conquer Real Madrid, becoming the club’s all-time top scorer and claiming four Champions League titles.
His move to Juventus in 2018 saw him continue to break records, scoring over 100 goals for the Italian club. After a short return to Manchester United in 2021, where he scored 18 goals in the Premier League, Ronaldo’s career took a new direction when he joined Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League in 2023. At 40 years old, he has continued to maintain a stunning level of performance, with over 100 goals for his new club.
Ronaldo’s Continued Dominance
Ronaldo’s career achievements are remarkable, but what stands out most is the hunger and drive he displayed from the very beginning. His early confidence that he would be the best in the world has clearly been justified by his achievements. Whether it’s his records in the Champions League, his prolific goal-scoring across multiple leagues, or his leadership on the international stage with Portugal, Ronaldo continues to defy expectations as one of the most driven athletes in sports history.
What’s Next for Ronaldo?
Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr will next be in action on Wednesday as they begin their AFC Cup campaign, facing Tajikistan’s Istiklol. As Ronaldo continues to prove that age is just a number, fans around the world are eagerly anticipating his next move in his incredible journey.
