The latest example of his relentless work ethic comes after Ronaldo ended 2023 as the top goalscorer in the world with 54 goals across club and international action.

It was the fifth time Ronaldo has picked up the accolade after he also finished top scorer in 2011, 2013, 2014 and 2015 while at Real Madrid.

Cristiano Ronaldo remains in incredible physical shape despite being 38 and earlier this week shared photos of himself working hard in the gym during the Saudi Pro League winter break.

The Al-Nassr star finished 2023 as the world’s top scorer with 54 goals for club and country.

Despite coming to the Saudi Pro League at the end of 2022, he shows no signs of slowing down.

Ronaldo has undergone an incredible body transformation since his days at Sporting Lisbon .

While he has dominated our screens over the past decade as a world class footballer with a ripped physique, this hasn’t always been the case for the forward.

Back when he made his debut for Sporting Lisbon in 2002 at the age of 17,  Ronaldo was a tall but skinny teenager who looked a lot different to how he does today.

This didn’t stop him excelling though and his dazzling performances and talent earned him a move to Manchester United.

However, Ronaldo almost looked like a different person in the early 2000s and after a promising, but unspectacular debut season, he realised he needed to bulk up to cope with the physical demands of English football.

The now 38-year-old began to add muscle to his upper body, while ensuring he was lean enough to deal with the challenges he faced from opposition defenders.

It would turn out to be a masterstroke as Ronaldo excelled over six years from 2003 to 2009 under the guidance of Sir Alex Ferguson, becoming the first United star to win the Ballon d’Or since George Best in 1968.

As technology and nutritional advice advanced, Ronaldo seized upon these opportunities to put himself in the best possible shape.

Ronaldo’s stunning form earned him a world record £80m move to Real Madrid where he continued to work on his physique.

His fitness and shape were so impressive that Ronaldo began to change the way we looked at footballers and what the ideal footballing physique was.

This came after significant dedication from Ronaldo, with the 38-year-old known to employ a personal nutritionist, doctor, physio and chef in an attempt to improve his performances.

One of the most iconic moments of his career was his goal during Real Madrid’s 4-1 victory over city rivals Atletico Madrid to win the Champions League title in 2014 and secure La Decima for the Spanish giants.

As he notched Real’s fourth goal, Ronaldo ripped off his shirt and tensed up, giving fans all around the world a glimpse at his incredible physique.

Ronaldo with Sir Alex Ferguson at his Manchester United unveiling in August 2003. The Portuguese superstar, then 18, looked completely unrecognisable from his physique today.

Ronaldo realised he needed to bulk up to cope with the physical demands of English football.

He continued to do so and this iconic pose with Real Madrid during their Champions League final victory over Atletico Madrid in 2014 has gone down in history.

Coupled with a hectic gym routine, Ronaldo revealed the importance his diet and lifestyle played in his body transformation over the years.

Speaking to FourFourTwo in 2015, he said: ‘I watch my diet, eat healthily and avoid things that are bad for me like alcohol, sugary sodas and processed foods.

‘I focus on eating simple whole foods, like fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean protein. I really like fresh fish and try to get a lot of my protein from it.

‘Proper sleep is really important for getting the most out of training. I go to bed early and get up early, especially before matches. Sleep helps my muscles to recover, which is really important.

‘Training and gym workouts are vital, but living a relaxed lifestyle helps you to be the best you can be, physically and mentally. I spend my free time with family and friends, which keeps me relaxed and in a positive mindset.’

Reports have also claimed in the past how Ronaldo eats six meals a day, which enable him to build muscle and remain lean.

Given his regimented regime and continued performance on the pitch, it is therefore no shock that many, including his former United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, back Ronaldo to play into his 40s.

The forward continues to deliver in Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr, where he is the Saudi Pro League’s top goalscorer this season with 20 goals and nine assists in 18 games.

Despite a poor second spell at United that ended in acrimony, Ronaldo remained in shape.

Ronaldo (with partner Georgina Rodriguez) has backed himself to continue to play into his 40s .