John O’Shea Reflects on Cristiano Ronaldo’s Remarkable Journey

As Ireland prepares to face Portugal in a crucial World Cup qualifier in Lisbon, John O’Shea, the assistant coach of the Irish national team, reflected on the impressive career of his former Manchester United teammate, Cristiano Ronaldo. Despite being 40 years old and now playing in Saudi Arabia for Al-Nassr, Ronaldo continues to demonstrate his prowess on the international stage, scoring six goals in six matches for Portugal in 2025. With Portugal recently winning the UEFA Nations League, they are poised to secure their place in next summer’s World Cup in North America.

Ronaldo’s lucrative move to Al-Nassr in 2023 has significantly boosted his earnings. Reports indicate that he earns an astounding $237.5 million annually, excluding bonuses, along with a 15% stake in Al-Nassr. This financial success follows a prolific career with top clubs such as Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus. His brand, CR7, coupled with a lucrative deal with Nike, has made him the first footballer to achieve billionaire status, with Bloomberg estimating his net worth at approximately €1.2 billion.

O’Shea’s Perspective on Ronaldo’s Legacy

O’Shea, who first played alongside Ronaldo when the latter joined Manchester United in 2003, expressed his admiration for the football icon’s dedication and commitment. As Ireland gears up for their match, O’Shea acknowledged the challenges posed by facing a player of Ronaldo’s caliber. “Listen, nothing surprises me in terms of the type of dedication and sacrifice he’s shown,” O’Shea stated. “Yeah, he’s done okay. He’s done okay, the lad.”

When asked about Ronaldo’s status among the greatest players he has encountered, O’Shea refrained from entering the ongoing debate about the “greatest of all time” (GOAT). “Oh, what a question that is. He’s been the most, I’d say, statistically the best, hasn’t he? So, most gifted? Probably just edge it, but there’s a few lads chasing him very close, I think,” he noted.

As Ireland faces Portugal this Saturday, O’Shea emphasized the team’s focus on preparing for the entirety of Portugal’s attacking threats, of which Ronaldo is a significant part. “First and foremost, we have to deal with him as a footballer on Saturday evening, and that’s what we’ll be focusing on,” he said. This match will not only be crucial for Ireland’s World Cup ambitions but will also serve as a reminder of Ronaldo’s enduring impact on the game.

With the stakes high and the world watching, both teams will look to deliver their best performance in what promises to be an exciting encounter. As the countdown to the match continues, fans and analysts alike will be eager to see if Ronaldo can maintain his remarkable form and lead Portugal to victory once again.