Three reasons Cristiano Ronaldo looks so young at 40 as doctor shares top tips for fighting aging

Cristiano Ronaldo, the world-famous footballer, turns 40 today. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time - although certain Lionel Messi fans may argue otherwise - Ronaldo is still playing high level football.

Scotland managed to keep him out of Hampden, drawing Portugal 0-0 in a UEFA Nations League group stage game in October, but for one of his ex-teams, Real Madrid, Ronaldo goes down in history as their all-time top scorer.

The five-time Ballon d'Or award winner plays as a forward for and captains both the Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr and the Portugal national team. He is also a family man - sharing five children with model Georgina Rodríguez.

READ MORE: State Pension uprating in April will not be paid to nearly half a million older people

READ MORE: State Pension back payments of nearly £8,000 due for women in their 60s and 70s by end of this year

Despite his jam-packed schedule and vast sporting and business commitments, Men's Health claimed that tests conducted by Real Madrid coaches a few years ago found Ronaldo had the physical condition of a 23-year-old.

So, what's Ronaldo's secret for looking so young all these years down the line?

When previously asked for his three top health tips, Ronaldo replied: “Eat well, stay hydrated and sleep properly.” According to the Mirror, protein is a cornerstone of Ronaldo's diet, essential for muscle repair and growth.

He also favours complex carbohydrates and healthy fats, with an emphasis on fresh, unprocessed foods. CR7, as he is nicknamed, typically eats six small meals a day to maintain his metabolism and energy levels, reports ESPN.

His diet is heavily based on lean proteins like chicken and fish, whole grains like brown rice, healthy fats including avocados, nuts, and olive oil, and fruit and vegetables.

Water is another crucial part of his routine. Ronaldo avoids sugary drinks and even turned down a Coca-Cola bottle at a press conference during Euro 2020, famously saying: "Drink water."

The soccer ace's routine reportedly begins with an ice bath at the crack of dawn, around 5am. As per the Daily Mail, Ronaldo's sleep routine involves five 90-minute naps rather than one long snooze to get his seven-and-a-half hours.

To keep himself in impeccable nick, Ronaldo bolsters his on-pitch training with daily focused strength training, sprint workouts, and 30-minute cardio sessions at home. Ronaldo trains three or four hours daily for five days a week.

Although the average person may not be able to spend as many hours in the gym as the sporting legend, or sleep in 90-minute bursts, a top doctor has revealed that exercise and sleeping are crucial to fighting aging.

Celebrity cosmetic doctor Dr Natalie Haworth has suggested that our diet, sleeping patterns, and physical activity levels can all influence wrinkle formation.

The Director of The Doctor and Company places utmost importance on sun protection. She advised: "Apply a broad spectrum SPF throughout the year. There is evidence that shows that using an SPF everyday helps slow down the ageing process, so this is essential to use to prevent premature ageing."

Dr Haworth also shared additional tips on diet for maintaining youthfulness, explaining: "What will make one of the biggest differences to your skin, to prevent premature ageing and maintain a youthful glow, is your diet. Avoid sugary, processed foods which can contribute to premature ageing of the skin."

The benefits of regular exercise, although maybe not with the same intensity as Ronaldo, are aplenty, too.

Dr Haworth went on: "Exercising helps clear impurities through sweating, and keeps your cells young. It can also reduce inflammation and improve your circulation, all of which will help you achieve a glowing complexion."

The significance of sleep was not overlooked. The pro finished: "Your skin repairs itself through sleep, so it's important you get at least eight hours if you can for the health of your skin.

"If you don't get enough hours of rest, your skin won't be able to heal and repair the skin."

Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our newsletter here .