Three years after his arrival at Al-Nassr, Cristiano Ronaldo remains the sporting and emotional center of the Saudi club. At 40 years old and performing at a level unthinkable for his age, the Portuguese star continues to impose himself as leader, top scorer and absolute reference point. What once sounded like myth is now confirmed by those who live alongside him every day. Among them, Sadio Mané, who has shared new details about the real impact Cristiano has behind closed doors.

Mané’s admiration: “I’ve never seen a player like him”

In a conversation with Rio Ferdinand, Mané didn’t hold back his praise. “He’s an example for any footballer. I’ve never seen another player like him,” he said.

The Senegalese attacker explained that he already admired Cristiano’s professionalism before meeting him, but once in Saudi Arabia, he realized reality surpassed the legend. “He works hard every single day, he wants to win always, even at 40. He’s a complete athlete,” he stated.

Mané highlighted that the Portuguese star follows strict routines: he arrives earlier than everyone, trains with intensity and spreads a work ethic that raises the level of the whole squad. “His impact is exceptional. His mentality and passion for football have no comparison,” added the former Liverpool and Bayern Munich winger.

A leader who elevates everyone: from João Félix to Kingsley Coman

Mané’s words are far from isolated. Several teammates have agreed that Cristiano continues to be decisive both on and off the pitch.

João Félix emphasized how easy it is to play alongside him: “He misses a penalty and a minute later scores a stunner. Opponents focus so much on him that it opens space for the rest of us.” He also praised the team’s structure, which empowers attackers to shine.

Marcelo Brozovic, formerly of Inter, was direct: “I’d rather play with him than against him. You can always count on him to score.”

Kingsley Coman pointed out that Ronaldo still maintains an extraordinary finishing level and said it will be an honor to tell his children he shared a dressing room with a legend.

Even Iñigo Martínez admitted he was positively surprised after joining Al-Nassr: “He’s approachable, competitive, and lives football to the fullest.”

Cristiano, the standard that refuses to age

Beyond goals and records, what everyone highlights is his consistency. His training habits, strict diet and obsession with prolonging his career have turned him into a figure who defies time itself.

For Al-Nassr, Cristiano is far more than just a sporting asset: he is a role model, the team’s gravitational center and a mirror for both young players and veterans. And for his teammates, including Mané, his greatness doesn’t need speeches—it's visible every single day on the pitch.