by Nov. 5, Cristiano Ronaldo announced his retirement from a sport that was transcended when he joined. Ronaldo, the Portuguese superstar, announced via an Instagram video, commemorating his journey and all of the accomplishments he has achieved throughout the years.
We all know Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the best in his field, if not the best, if you ask some. But what legacy does he leave behind?
Ronaldo has seen many successes, but through his successes, he has never strayed from being a public figure that children and adults can look up to. He has become a social media phenomenon since the day he stepped on the field. In 23 years, he has managed to consume soccer and change the level of excitement brought to the game.
With more than 200 international appearances, the 2016 European Championship, two UEFA Nations League championships and 146 international goals, Cristiano has solidified a place of remembrance and heartfelt love throughout Portugal and among fans worldwide.
In 2002, just joining the league and figuring out the rhythm as a rookie, Ronaldo quickly gained knowledge and intelligence to continually maintain his success. In 2008, Ronaldo won his first championship, marking the beginning of a legacy that Portugal would come to know and recognize him for as a pioneer of the country.
Ronaldo, always proud to wear the colors of the Portuguese people, has never left without expressing gratitude and appreciation for the support his fans have shown him for 23 years.
In the Instagram video, Ronaldo talks directly to his fans, essentially stating that he is forever grateful that he was allowed to adore a sport where fans are so captivated and loving toward him. He also expresses gratitude to his family and how supportive they have been throughout a 23-year journey that has not been easy.
Between scheduling and the constant back-and-forth on the road, he is more than grateful to have a support system at home that takes care of his mind and mindset, allowing him to prepare to be Cristiano Ronaldo for his fans around the world.
But what’s next for Ronaldo?
Ronaldo has done so much within sports, but how can we continue to see and adore him? Ronaldo has many investments, including CR7, which focuses on lifestyle products such as underwear, watches, cologne, footwear, clothing and eyewear.
That’s just the first investment. CR7 Fitness by Crunch is a partnership between Ronaldo and Crunch Fitness to continue bringing health and wellness to consumers.
A beverage company partnership called URSU9 is another venture. Ronaldo partnered with Portuguese businessman Francisco Ferreira to launch an alkaline water brand, and the list continues to grow.
Support will remain for Ronaldo and his fans, but where else could you possibly see Ronaldo if you just want to see him on TV in a different light?
For many, the love of Cristiano Ronaldo may have started on the field but became an entirely different essence of love once they found out how he met the love of his life, Georgina Rodríguez.
Georgina met Cristiano in 2016 while working at Gucci, and from there, it was only a dream for both Ronaldo and Georgina. Fast-forward years later, Georgina and Ronaldo are engaged and have six children.
To keep up with Ronaldo and Georgina, you can take a glimpse into their lives through the Netflix show “I Am Georgina.”
The 18-episode series, which ran from 2022 to 2024, showcases the life of Georgina Rodríguez, Ronaldo and their children as they navigate their successes and the hectic lifestyle that comes with soccer, including multiple games and potential stress. They manage it all.
So, if you want to see Cristiano Ronaldo after retirement, you have a plethora of ways to appreciate his talent. Even still, Ronaldo will never be forgotten. Beloved star IShowSpeed has shown nothing but the highest praise for the soccer player.
Adoration over 23 years, with fans who grew up alongside his career, shows that Ronaldo’s career is forever solidified. We can always go back to those moments, watch them on social media and see the moments that reshaped soccer and replay them in our heads for the rest of time.
