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Cristiano Ronaldo may have lost a touch of his explosive pace, but former Portugal team-mate Ricardo believes the iconic forward is still one of the most dangerous finishers in world football. Now serving as the national team’s goalkeeping coach, Ricardo explained how the 41-year-old superstar has transformed his game from a skilful winger into a clinical striker while maintaining his unmatched hunger and drive.

From winger to goal machine

In an interview with Portuguese publication A BOLA, former goalkeeper Ricardo shared his thoughts on Ronaldo’s remarkable evolution. The two played together during the 2006 World Cup, when Portugal advanced to the semi-finals, and are reunited today with Ricardo on the coaching staff. Reflecting on the changes since Ronaldo wore the number 17 shirt as a teenager, Ricardo acknowledged a natural physical shift accompanied by a refined, deadly approach in front of goal. “His speed might not be exactly the same—he used to go at 200 km/h, now he goes at 195 km/h,” Ricardo joked, before adding that the veteran star has successfully transitioned from a pure winger into an unstoppable goal scorer.

Danger always present

The 48-year-old coach stressed that Ronaldo’s relentless determination remains as intense as ever. According to Ricardo, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner still shows the same discipline and work ethic he displayed two decades ago. His shift into a central attacking role has been key to his continued success at the top level. Offering his full appraisal of the Portuguese captain, Ricardo said: “When I compare the player who wore number 17 then to the one wearing number 7 at 41 years old, I see the same dedication, the same commitment, the same care for others, and the same passion. As long as his physical, technical and mental attributes are intact, Cris is a destructive force, and with him, danger is always lurking. There are no words left to describe him—he’s a one-of-a-kind individual who will be difficult to replicate.”

A special connection in the camp

Having moved from team-mate to member of the coaching staff, Ricardo admitted that working with Ronaldo now offers a unique dynamic. “We’re together often and talk a lot. I still speak to him like a colleague, even though I’m now on the coaching side,” Ricardo shared. “There’s complete honesty between us—no pretence. The bond remains the same. We’re all disciplined in training, rest, and diet, but Cris takes it a notch higher than everyone else.” Despite all his accomplishments, Ronaldo continues to chase his ultimate goal—winning the World Cup for Portugal, something that has so far eluded him.

What lies ahead for Ronaldo and Portugal

Portugal’s preparations will intensify with friendly fixtures against Chile on June 6 and Nigeria on June 10. After these warm-ups, Roberto Martinez’s side will begin their Group K World Cup campaign. They are set to play DR Congo on June 17, followed by Uzbekistan on June 23, and will wrap up the group stage against Colombia on June 27 as they aim for global glory.