Not playing at 37, but being amongst the best players in the world at 37. He clocked the fastest recorded speed in the Euros.
The comparisons with Gifgs are interesting, but Giggs is lauded for his longevity. He took care of his body, started doing yoga and was always one of the fittest in the squad, but he didn’t play as much as Ronaldo at 37, and arguably not at the same level. In terms of physical talent, Giggs was both a fair bit faster and certainly more agile coming through as a young player than Ronaldo was. Ronaldo worked his socks off getting to where he is. Nobody denies his professionalism. Not losing that hunger at 37 is quite something!
I'm not sure he is amongst the best players in the world anymore but that's probably a different discussion.
Giggs might not have been playing at the same level at 37 as Ronaldo but that's because he never played at the same level as Ronaldo. You have to take into account their initial talent level and judge it relative to that.
I mean it kind of gets overlooked that these guys like Ronaldo, Messi, Maldini were better than most older players their age because they were always better players. It stands to reason.
That's what I meant initially about their talent being the key factor. It's testament to how skilled they are/were.
The physical side of it I think gets overhyped a bit with Ronaldo. Obviously not doubting his professionalism, we're all aware of that. Nor am I saying it has no contribution to his longevity.
But plenty of players carry on playing at the highest levels mid 30's and up. They won't be as good as Ronaldo but like I say, they never were.
I mentioned Moutinho still going in CM at 35. Incredible really but nobody really goes on about him being a genius because he's still playing at Prem level in a more physically demanding position. Relative to his initial talent no less of an achievement than Ronaldo.
Robson was here till he was about 37. I think Mark Hughes was still playing in the Premiership at around 38. Vardy is 35, still in the Prem, still physically very good.
Not exactly the same I know but we talk about Ronaldo's physical longevity like it's a rare bird when it's not really.