Football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed the athletes who inspire him in his career and personal drive. Speaking in a recent interview with British broadcaster Piers Morgan, the Al-Nassr star mentioned three names he admires for their longevity and dedication to excellence. The 40-year-old striker highlighted how these sports icons continue to perform at the top level despite their age.
Ronaldo first mentioned NBA superstar LeBron James, praising the Los Angeles Lakers forward for still dominating basketball at his age. He joked that he has “more hair” than LeBron, but pointed out that the American athlete remains in great physical shape and continues to compete at the highest level. Ronaldo said James’ professionalism and consistency motivate him.
The Portuguese star then turned to football, naming his former Real Madrid teammate Luka Modric as another source of inspiration. Modric, who remains a key player for club and country even in his late 30s, has long been admired for his discipline, intelligence, and fitness. Ronaldo noted that the Croatian midfielder still looks sharp and plays with incredible energy.
To complete his list, Ronaldo mentioned tennis champion Novak Djokovic. He praised the Serbian star for maintaining a high performance standard in a highly demanding and competitive sport. Ronaldo pointed out that Djokovic’s continued success and focus show how far dedication and mental strength can take an athlete.
Ronaldo’s comments once again underline his respect for elite athletes who defy age and continue to perform at world-class levels. Like James, Modric, and Djokovic, Ronaldo has built a career defined by hard work, longevity, and an unmatched hunger to stay on top.





