Football legend Cristiano Ronaldo received a grand tribute in New York City as Times Square unveiled a statue in his honour to mark his 40th birthday. The celebration, held on February 5, saw fans gathering to perform his iconic “Siu” celebration, paying homage to the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Ronaldo’s milestone birthday came just days after he netted his 922nd and 923rd career goals in Al-Nassr’s 4-0 victory over Al Wasl. The Portuguese superstar, who first introduced his signature celebration while at Real Madrid in 2013, continues to leave a lasting impact on the football world.
Reflecting on the origins of his famous move, Ronaldo once explained: “I started to say ‘si,’ it’s like ‘yes,’ when I was in Real Madrid. I just scored the goal, and it just came out.”
The birthday celebration follows Ronaldo’s recent headline-making interview with Spanish sports outlet El Chiringuito, where he defended the Saudi Pro League against criticism. “People talk too much and give opinions without knowing,” he said. “Because it’s Saudi Arabia, people look down on it… You have to give it the credit it deserves.”
While Ronaldo continues to thrive in Saudi Arabia, Major League Soccer (MLS) is preparing for a landmark 2025 season, with stars like Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Luis Suárez entering their final contract years at Inter Miami.
Ronaldo’s latest tribute in Times Square reaffirms his status as one of football’s most influential figures, celebrating a career that has inspired millions across the globe.
