Retirement? It doesn’t exist! 40-year-old Ronaldo accepted the award and said: I haven’t played enough yet, I still want to score a thousand more goals

In Lisbon, which was brightly lit on October 8, Ronaldo once again attracted all his attention on the stage of the Portuguese Global Awards ceremony. When the list of winners of the Global Reputation Award was announced, thunderous applause rang out, and countless shots focused on this soccer superstar with a tall and firm look. However, what is more striking than the trophy is his speech: "This is not a career end prize", which instantly touched the heartstrings of countless audiences.

In this grand event of honor supremacy, Ronaldo did not choose a regular acknowledgement, but issued a declaration that he refused to stop. He declared to the world that his story is far from over.

Standing in front of the microphone, Ronaldo's tone was calm but full of power: "I regard this award as a recognition of years of hard work, dedication and ambition. This is not the end, but a new beginning." Behind these words is his brilliant career for 22 years. Since his debut at Sporting Lisbon in 2002, Ronaldo has been competing in professional football for more than 8,000 days, with footprints in five leagues and four countries. He has played for giant clubs such as Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and Riyadh Victory. His club has played more than 1,200 times and has scored more than 800 goals. The national team has played in 217 games and scored 138 goals, both of which have set world records.

Although the outside world frequently speculated when he would "retire", some people believed that he had won everything - including five Golden Globes, five Champions League titles, one European Cup and UEFA Champions League, and some people suggested that he enjoy the glory of his career in Saudi Arabia. But for Ronaldo, this award is not the end, but the clarion call that inspires him to move forward.

In his speech, Ronaldo specifically mentioned: "I like to help the younger generation, and they also help me stay in shape and continue to compete. This is exactly what makes me motivated." This simple words reveal his source of motivation today. Modern football is experiencing an era of new and old alternating new things, and Ronaldo's existence has broken the inherent boundary of "age and vitality". He is not a veteran chased by the younger generation, but a "liu" walking side by side with the young.

Royce rarely talked about his family in his award speech: "Everyone, especially my family, often said that it is time to stop. You have accomplished everything, why do you always think about scoring another thousand goals?" This became the warmest and powerful conversation in the game. The family’s concerns stem from love and protection, but Ronaldo’s answer was childlike persistence: “I don’t think so. I am still performing well and contributing to the club and the national team. Why stop?” At this moment, he is no longer a legend who is arrogant, but like a father who insists on pursuing his dreams in ordinary families - but he is the player with the most goals in official games in football history (more than 880 goals).

"Why should I stop?" is not just a response, but also a belief. For him, goals have long surpassed the numbers and become proof that life is still burning. Ronaldo also particularly emphasized the national team: "Playing for the national team is an honor. We must enjoy the present, come one by one." The keyword is "enjoy".

C Ronaldo used to say that he had to "win"; now he often mentions "enjoy the game". This is not a compromise, but a deeper maturity. He is still eager to lead Portugal to the 2026 World Cup and set a new record he has held. But he also gradually realized that being able to continue to stand on the green field is itself a kind of victory. He admitted: "I know there is not much left in my career, but I will try to enjoy the rest of my time." The warmth conveyed by this sentence is better than all trophys. It is not a farewell, but a reconciliation with the years. Ronaldo said he wants to play for a few more years - maybe not too long. He knew he could not defeat time, but he chose to race against time. Therefore, when his family advised him to stop, his response was like a flag - "I haven't played enough yet." Yes, 40-year-old Ronaldo is still running. The trophy will be covered with dust and the records will be refreshed, but the spirit of refusing to be defined and always moving forward is his precious legacy to the world.

When the legend refuses to end, the years can only cheer for him.