If we were to examine the past 20 years of Ronaldo’s career, we would note that he had reached his peak around age 25. It’s therefore insulting to say that he will start declining at this age. If we are to look at the future, we should expect him to continue to flourish as long as he remains in the limelight. But how do we know this?
Ronaldo’s peak age is between 25-28
Generally, players’ peak years are between 25 and 28. At this age, the highest goals output begins and gradually decreases as players reach their thirties. Ronaldo, however, defies the statistical norm by displaying consistently high performances for at least six more years. At thirty-six, Ronaldo has already surpassed the age of his peak, and it’s not clear when his current high output will end.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s career peaked between ages 25 and 28. The former Sporting CP star joined Manchester United in 2003, but his first few years in the Premier League weren’t a revelation. The Portuguese international blasted into the world stage in 2007/08. Prior to this season, he managed only 35 goals in 129 appearances in the EPL. Even then, he wasn’t considered a prolific goalscorer.
The same goes for Messi. Both players started their best football between 25 and 28. Ronaldo has been unstoppable for years, but Messi is just entering his prime. Messi is unlikely to slow down anytime soon. Although Messi is approaching the age of Ronaldo’s peak, he has still not reached his peak. While Ronaldo and Messi are the most successful soccer players in history, not every player reaches their peak at the same age.
Although there are some differences between the ages of players with similar skill levels, his peak age is between 25-28. Similarly, there are some players who can hang on for years despite having declining athleticism. For example, Javier Mascherano, who moved to center-back from a striker position, extended his career. Cristiano Ronaldo, on the other hand, extended his career by relocating to a true striker role, extending his career and improving his playing style.
Both Messi and Ronaldo’s season average are a good indicator of peak season performance. Messi’s season average was 73 in 2011-12. Ronaldo’s highest season return was 61 in 2014-15. Messi’s average season return dropped after a poor PSG season. Although Messi has surpassed Ronaldo’s peak age in goals, he has yet to reach his peak.
Ronaldo’s decline is insulting to a player like Ronaldo
It is not fair to compare Cristiano’s stats against those of other top players. His decline since his arrival at Real Madrid is particularly insulting to a player like Ronaldo. It is not only a disgrace that Ronaldo has been unable to match his previous stats – his dwindling game could even be seen as a distraction. At Juventus, he was a constant attacking presence, averaging 52.5 touches per game. At Real Madrid, he averaged 43.5 touches per game, a figure which is reminiscent of the final seasons of his Juventus career.
Despite the fact that Ronaldo has not been able to play at the same level as before, his team still enjoys huge fanfare. Last week, Ronaldo scored twice in a Champions League game against Newcastle, allowing Manchester United to move top of the Premier League table. Even Sir Alex Ferguson, who signed Ronaldo in 2003, was at the game and reportedly called up Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes to ask about his future at Manchester United. Ronaldo’s mother was also there, grinning as she watched the goals and wrapped herself in a United scarf.
Although many United players were shocked by Ronaldo’s comments, some were supportive. One senior player recalled saying that it was necessary for him to show tough love towards the young players at the club. The manager was right to make this decision, but the players need to show respect for their idols. Despite his brashness and unreliability, Ronaldo has become increasingly frustrated at the situation. The player should have been sent off against Liverpool and Newcastle, as he was not at his best.
Despite the decline in his chance creation, the Portuguese international is still one of the best strikers in the world. However, he has been playing in teams where he is not the attacking nucleus. This is a real shame as it demonstrates his inability to lead the attack, which is crucial to the success of his team. And the fact that he has failed to score in these teams is truly insulting to a player like Ronaldo.
Ronaldo’s decline is not a sign of decline
In terms of performance, the decline of Cristiano Ronaldo is not an unmistakable one. The Portuguese international has exhibited incredible consistency throughout his career, but his recent performances have been somewhat lacking. This season, he has been substituted twice in as many matches. Maurizio Sarri attributed these substitutions to physical problems. Whether this is an indication of a decline or not remains to be seen, but his recent form has certainly raised questions.
While some may argue that his performance has slipped over recent months, a closer look at his statistics suggests that there are still plenty of signs of potential. The Portuguese captain has scored 13 goals in all competitions since January, five of which have come in penalty shootouts. This isn’t necessarily a bad sign, especially if you consider the fact that he has a habit of winning second legs. Moreover, the World Cup playoff is looming, and the last chance for him to win a trophy is at stake.
Compared to the previous season, Ronaldo’s touch rate has also decreased. In the previous season, he tested the goalkeeper once every 26 minutes. This season, he’s only hitting the target once every 51 minutes. It’s important to remember that he was almost twice as efficient. So while his touch rate has dropped, his ability to create opportunities hasn’t. Rather, most managers are concerned with the fact that the goal scorer doesn’t finish his chances.
If the World Cup is a sign of decline, then Cristiano Ronaldo’s record-breaking ability remains intact. In fact, his desire to break records is as high as his skills. He recently declared that he would like to become the best player of all time. That may never happen, but he’s clearly not contented with his present performance. His desire to surpass his own expectations has allowed him to win two major awards in succession. Then again, his team hasn’t won many games during this period.
While Ronaldo is still in his prime, his age is a factor. He’s going to be thirty again in February, and many believe he’s close to the end of his career. While other legends have adapted to age and changed their style of play, the Portuguese is unlikely to do so. In fact, he’ll probably have to be guarded at all times before he can walk out of the stadium.
Ronaldo’s decline is a sign of discomfort
Recent dates have revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo is struggling with tendonitis in his left knee. The Portuguese talisman has had to use ice treatments and tape his knee for several days. He was forced to miss training on Wednesday and only took part in warm-up passes on Friday. The decline in his performance might be a sign of discomfort, however, as he is nearing the end of his career.
The cause of the discomfort is unknown, but it is thought to be due to a degeneration of the patellar tendon. This causes the collagen fibres to decrease, reducing healing and tendon strength. The reduced strength makes Ronaldo more susceptible to injury. In addition, there is an insufficient blood supply to the patellar tendon, leading to increased pain perception. The degeneration of the patellar tendon is a result of poor neovascularisation, which also affects the ability of the tendon to heal.
In the meantime, Man United fans will miss their superstar. It’s a shame that Ronaldo is approaching his 37th birthday, but he has outlasted most footballers by five or six years. Physically, however, he’s showing signs of discomfort, as he doesn’t look sharp rushing past defenders. His style has been reduced to a more passive role, which makes him less of a presser than he once was.
The latest episode of Cristiano’s decline in fitness is a case of a deteriorating health condition, according to Alvaro Morata. The Juventus manager noticed the Portuguese’s walking discomfort and replaced him with Paulo Dybala. Later, after the match, Ronaldo walked to the touchline and muttered incomprehensible words to his manager. He then threw his wobbly as he walked to the sidelines.
While his goal scoring ability has decreased, he’s still a dangerous forward, with 41% of shots landing in the net. This decline in goals is a warning that the Portuguese is struggling to remain in the game. However, the player is still a dangerous forward, despite his lack of headers. It’s just that his conversion rate has fallen below his previous averages. It’s not the best sign for Juventus’s season.
