'Cristiano Ronaldo takes good work to another level' - Al-Nassr nutritionist explains why CR7 is an 'object of study' for players seeking longevity in the modern game

The Portuguese superstar has spent 12 months in Saudi Arabia after making a stunning move to the Middle East in January 2023. He took on an entirely new challenge after being released by Manchester United and continues to thrive at 38 years of age.

Jose Blesa is revelling in the opportunity to work with Ronaldo at Al-Nassr and has told Marca of studying the all-time great and how he has been able to stay at the top of his chosen profession for so long: “I have worked with many high-level athletes, from many different sports and many of them have been examples of work and perseverance but I have to say that Cristiano takes good work to another level and is an object of study of what to do and how to achieve performance at the highest level at an age where the majority have been retired for years.”

Ronaldo is edging towards the end of his remarkable career, but is showing no sign of slowing down. That is because he has always prided himself on hard work and being in the best possible shape, with Blesa adding on the approach that veteran performers need to take: “The athlete has to pay much more attention to that work off the field over the years. Physically he does not have the abilities that he had when he is 20 years old and he has to try to stop that passage of time with a better diet, paying pay attention to all the methods available to help recovery, rest more and better, and above all be smart with training and efforts.”

Ronaldo has been able to maintain high standards at Al-Nassr, with a world-leading 54 goals recorded for club and country in 2023. He has been enjoying a winter break of late, but will be back in action when facing Inter Miami and eternal rival Lionel Messi in the Riyadh Cup on February 1.