How Cristiano Ronaldo changed the direction of my life

It was Ronaldo who first introduced me to Portugal. Through him, I came to admire the country, fall in love with it, and eventually make it my home. After arriving in Portugal, I shared this story in an interview with the Portuguese national newspaper Diário de Notícias. I explained that my affection for Ronaldo led me to discover Portugal. Then, after meeting the Portuguese people and experiencing the country for myself, I fell in love with everything Portugal had to offer. That journey eventually led me to become a Portuguese citizen.
 
I have always felt that Ronaldo and I share many similarities in our outlook on life. Perhaps that is why I admire him so deeply. His discipline, determination, and dedication inspire me every single day. That inspiration extends far beyond football and influences every aspect of my life.
 
When I lost my father, Ronaldo became one of my greatest sources of motivation. Watching the way he responded to setbacks taught me that no matter how difficult life becomes, you must stay focused on your journey and never give up.
 
From him, I learned resilience. Life will always present hardships, disappointments, and obstacles, but resilience means continuing to fight while keeping your dreams alive. I learned to keep working, keep believing, and never allow setbacks to define my future.
 
His relentless discipline and uncompromising work ethic have also had a profound impact on me. Many people are born with natural talent, but very few possess the self-discipline and consistency required to transform that talent into a world-class legacy. Ronaldo dedicated his life to continuous improvement and maintaining elite standards. His winning mentality has inspired millions, including me, to push beyond our limits and strive for excellence every single day.
 
My own life has never been easy. I have faced many struggles, but I have never chosen to complain. Instead, I have remained grateful to my Creator for every blessing I have received. Difficulties have strengthened me rather than defeated me.
 
Another lesson I learned from Ronaldo is the importance of honesty and self-respect. He has never been afraid to speak the truth, even when it is uncomfortable. I have adopted the same principle in my own life. I treat everyone with respect, regardless of who they are. However, I will never continue to tolerate abusive behaviour or allow others to take advantage of my kindness. Respect should always be mutual. If respect is no longer being served at the table, I have learnt to walk away.
 
As I have grown older, I have also realised the importance of protecting my peace. I no longer invest my time in fake relationships or people who are two-faced. If someone does not genuinely like me or wish me well, there is little value in giving them my time or energy. There are billions of people in this world. I would rather invest my life in those who genuinely care about me and whom I can care about in return.
 
Perhaps the greatest lesson Ronaldo has taught me is determination. There are moments in life when success seems impossible, and challenges feel overwhelming. During those moments, I remind myself of one simple principle: try your absolute best, and then try again. Keep going until you have reached your limit. Once you know you have given everything you have, accept the outcome with peace. If you fail today, there will always be another opportunity tomorrow, and every attempt teaches you something valuable. That mindset has helped me overcome countless obstacles without ever abandoning my dreams.
 
I have developed a mentality where nothing can discourage me until I have exhausted every possible effort. I fight until the very last minute because I believe you should never surrender while there is still hope.
 
Adopting Ronaldo's mindset has made me stronger, more resilient, and more confident. It has helped me overcome challenges that once seemed impossible and shaped the person I have become today.
 
Leadership is not simply about winning trophies or holding a title. It is about inspiring others and leaving a positive impact on their lives. That is why I consider Cristiano Ronaldo a remarkable leader. If I ever write a motivational book about my own leadership journey, one of its central themes will undoubtedly be how Cristiano Ronaldo's personal journey transformed my life forever.
 
For that reason, it would be wrong to view Cristiano Ronaldo simply as a footballer. He is a complete and inspiring individual whose life, discipline, resilience, and perseverance have changed the lives of millions around the world. His legacy is measured not only by goals, trophies, and records, but by the countless people he has inspired to become better versions of themselves.
 
Dear Ronaldo, it has been an incredible privilege to watch your journey from my childhood to the present day. You were my childhood hero, you remain my hero in adulthood, and you have become one of my greatest teachers in life. Thank you for inspiring me to dream bigger, work harder, stay disciplined, and never give up. You changed my life forever.
 
Cristiano Ronaldo deserves better.

Nayem Hasan is a Bangladeshi expatriate journalist in London. 

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard.