YEN Entertainment Awards 2025 is live – vote now for your favourite stars!Legendary Real Madrid defender Fernando Hierro has opened up on what makes Cristiano Ronaldo stand out even at this stage of his career.According to Hierro, a rare mix of discipline and drive has kept Ronaldo performing at the highest level, despite growing concerns about his age and long-term role with the Portugal national team.Having worked closely with Ronaldo in Riyadh, Hierro believes the forward’s physical condition and mindset remain unmatched in the modern game. PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Instagram - get the most important news directly in your favourite app!In his view, as Ronaldo is not plagued by injuries, he remains an automatic choice for Roberto Martínez.Read alsoBarcelona B duo set for Ghana call-up ahead of pre-World Cup game vs MexicoThe former Spain international, who captained Real Madrid between 2001 and 2003, pointed to Ronaldo’s hunger as the defining trait that separates him from others. He told Egyptian channel ON Sport, as quoted by Goal:The numbers still speak loudly for CR7. According to Transfermarkt, Ronaldo has scored 24 goals and added two assists in 25 matches this season. His output has powered Al-Nassr to the top of the Saudi Pro League, where they sit eight points clear of Al-Hilal with five games remaining.He has also played a key role in guiding the Riyadh-based club to the final of the AFC Champions League Elite Two, keeping alive hopes of a strong finish to the campaign. With two trophies still within reach, the 41-year-old is pushing to stay sharp, with one eye firmly on the 2026 FIFA World Cup.Read alsoNew Black Stars coach sends strong message to Ghana's World Cup opponentsWith that unrelenting desire still burning, Ronaldo is expected to spearhead Portugal’s push for success on the global stage once again.Historically, the Seleção’s best finish at the World Cup came in 1966 when Eusébio inspired them to third place. Fourty years later, they followed that with a fourth-place finish in 2006. At the last edition, Portugal bowed out in the quarter-finals after a narrow defeat to Morocco, who made history as the first African side to reach the semi-finals.Now under the guidance of Martínez and with a talented squad at their disposal, Portugal will believe this could be their moment. For Ronaldo, it could also be a final shot at lifting the World Cup trophy, as he prepares for what would be his sixth appearance at football’s biggest tournament.They have been drawn in Group K alongside DR Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia.Read alsoReal Madrid to sack Arbeloa as Los Blancos target Serie A legend as successorIn another publication, YEN.com.gh reported that Cristiano Ronaldo has cut out one drink from his diet as part of his quest to maintain peak fitness. The Al-Nassr star has deliberately eliminated milk from his nutrition plan, believing it is not a natural component of an adult diet.JOIN IN: Suspicious Content In Your Feed? Bust It With Our Free and Brief Fact-Checking Course. Get a Certificate!Source: YEN.com.gh Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe (Sports Editor) Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe is a CAF-accredited journalist with over five years of experience in digital journalism. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Integrated Rural Arts and Industry (2016). Godwin's career includes covering the 2023 AFCON and grassroots competitions within Ghana. He has also served as a Presenter at VNTV, a Sports Analyst at Obonu FM, and a Football Writer for a myriad of sports websites. He joined Yen.com.gh in 2024 to cover sports. Email: [email protected].