Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 39th goal of the 2010-2011 season in Real Madrid's 3-0 win against Athletic Bilbao on April, 9, 2011. Ronaldo made the goal in the 70th minute of play, after he came in as a substitute.
Cristiano, 26, who recently suffered a thigh injury, is likely on track to be short-listed for this year's FIFA World Player of the Year award, thanks to an impressive season so far.
The Portuguese international winger won the award in 2009 after scoring 42 goals during the 2008-2009 season with Manchester United.
However, Ronaldo faces stiff competition from FC Barcelona forward Lionel Messi, who has scored 47 goals to date and is on track to shatter the Spanish record (47) for single-season goals.
Cristiano Is Undisputed Best Player, Says Utd Boss
Ronaldo, who played with Manchester United from 2003 to 2009, scored a staggering 118 goals in 292 appearances with United.
What sets Cristiano apart from other players is his consistency and peak athletic form, said United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.
"That's one of the things [Ronaldo] has above all other players: He was never injured, he always played. He never missed training," said Ferguson. "His contribution as a goal threat is unbelievable. His stats are incredible."
In June 2009, Cristiano made international headlines when Manchester United agreed to sell him to Real Madrid for a stunning $131 million transfer fee, making him the most expensive player in football history.
At 6'1" and 186 lbs., Cristiano is known for his intense competitiveness and incredible work ethic. Ronaldo, who has been playing soccer since age three, is one of the leanest, fastest and fittest athletes to grace the world stage.
'His Best Is Yet to Come'
While innate athletic ability is a key element of Cristiano's football dominance, the superstar also works out rigorously and watches his diet.
Ronaldo has revealed that he doesn't eat much junk food, and isn't a big drinker. During the football season, his workout regimen includes plenty of running and weight training, as well as practice football matches with his team.
Cristiano, who has made no secret of his burning ambition to be the best footballer of all time, has a bright future ahead, said Sir Alex.
"His best is yet to come," said Ferguson. "He is better than Kaka and better than Messi. He is streets ahead of them all."
Despite the incredible success Cristiano has had at such a young age, he insists he's ambitious for more trophies.
"I want to go down in history as one of the greatest players ever," he has said. "I want to get better and better. My ambition is huge."
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