Pepe has backed Cristiano Ronaldo to continue playing “for many more years,” saying his former Real Madrid and Portugal team-mate is still breaking records and inspiring others at 40. The Al-Nassr superstar remains relentless in his pursuit of trophies and looks set to extend his glittering career beyond expectations.
Pepe confident Ronaldo is far from finished
Cristiano Ronaldo continues to make time look irrelevant. Despite turning 40 earlier this year, the Al-Nassr forward remains one of the most effective players in world football — and according to his long-time friend and ex-teammate Pepe, there’s no reason to believe retirement is near.
Speaking to beIN Sports, the former Real Madrid and Portugal defender said he believes Ronaldo can keep performing at the top for years to come.
“When will he stop? No one really knows,” Pepe smiled. “Cristiano keeps breaking records and I’m really happy for him. Beyond being a phenomenal player and an incredible person, he’s a friend, and I hope he can keep playing for many more years. It’ll be hard to turn on the TV and not see Cristiano’s name there.”
Pepe, who shared the pitch with Ronaldo 348 times for club and country, won multiple Champions League titles with him at Real Madrid and lifted both Euro 2016 and the 2019 Nations League together for Portugal. His words reflect both admiration and the bond forged over a decade of shared success.
Ronaldo’s form proving critics wrong
Ronaldo’s current form underlines Pepe’s faith in him. The Portuguese forward has scored four goals in four Saudi Pro League games this season, driving Al-Nassr to a perfect start as they chase domestic and continental success.
Despite the ongoing chatter about his age and potential retirement, Ronaldo shows no signs of slowing down. His physical conditioning, training discipline, and diet continue to set the standard for longevity in football.
He remains driven by major goals — most notably, helping Al-Nassr win the AFC Champions League and captaining Portugal at the 2026 World Cup, which would mark his sixth appearance in the tournament.
Ronaldo’s mindset: Enjoying the moment, not chasing numbers
While many assume Ronaldo’s motivation lies in statistics, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner insists his focus is on enjoyment and team success rather than milestones.
“I’m not chasing 1,000 goals,” he said earlier this year. “If it happens, perfect. If not, it doesn’t matter. The moment is what’s special — not what comes next. The most important thing is to win and keep enjoying football.”
That mindset, coupled with his unrelenting professionalism, explains how he continues performing at elite levels long after most players have retired.
Others back Ronaldo’s extended career
Pepe isn’t the only one predicting a lengthy twilight to Ronaldo’s career. Former England and Chelsea star Joe Cole recently suggested the Portuguese legend could play into his mid-40s, calling him a “medical marvel” for maintaining world-class fitness.
Cole noted that Ronaldo’s adaptation to the Saudi Pro League has been seamless, saying that his “positional intelligence and finishing instincts” allow him to dominate games without relying solely on physical explosiveness.
With Al-Nassr strengthening their squad around him — including the signings of Joao Felix, Kingsley Coman, and Inigo Martinez — Ronaldo remains at the heart of the club’s ambitions both domestically and in Asia.
Still rewriting history at 40
Whether chasing trophies in Saudi Arabia or preparing for another World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo’s story is still being written. As Pepe said, the day football moves on without him will be difficult for millions of fans around the world.
For now, though, the Al-Nassr captain shows no sign of hanging up his boots. With his unmatched drive, fitness, and love for the game, CR7 looks set to keep thrilling fans — and silencing doubters — for many more years to come.
