LeBron James, Cristiano Ronaldo
LeBron James and Cristiano Ronaldo are two names that define modern greatness. Both men turned 40 this year, both remain dominant, and both symbolize what longevity looks like at the highest level of sport. Still, even between two global icons, there’s always room for a little friendly banter.
During a wide-ranging interview with Piers Morgan, Ronaldo opened up about his fitness regimen, his mindset at 40, and the few athletes he looks to for inspiration, per The Big Lead. When asked who motivates him to stay in peak condition, the Portuguese star immediately mentioned the Los Angeles Lakers forward—before sliding in a light jab about the King’s hairline.
“I saw good examples in other sports as well, for example, in basketball, LeBron James,” Ronaldo said on Piers Morgan Uncensored. “I think we are the same age. I have more hair than him. I think it’s good because he still plays basketball and he’s in good shape.”
The playful comment earned laughs from fans, but it also carried genuine respect. James has defied every expectation that comes with age, performing at a level that few in NBA history can relate to. His drive, conditioning, and discipline continue to set the standard for younger players around the league.
The King Nears His Return as Lakers Surge
The Lakers provided encouraging news this week, confirming that James has been cleared for full-contact drills, Athlon Sports reports. A return could happen as soon as November 18, during a three-game stretch against the Utah Jazz and Los Angeles Clippers. If that timeline holds, James will have missed 14 games to start the 2025 season, leaving little margin for error if he wants to stay eligible for All-NBA honors.
Head coach JJ Redick emphasized that managing James’ workload will be crucial. “I don’t think there’s a proven way to handle someone who has this much mileage,” Redick told The Athletic’s Dan Woike. “You have to be cautious with how you use him.”
So far, Los Angeles has handled his absence impressively. The team sits at 7-2, second in the Western Conference, and has won five straight games. The Lakers have also gone a perfect 4-0 on the road, showing that their supporting cast can handle the pressure while their leader recovers.
Two Legends, One Relentless Standard
While James pushes for a 22nd season of excellence, Ronaldo continues to rewrite his own story. According to Bloomberg’s Billionaires Index, he recently became the first footballer to reach billionaire status, joining an exclusive list that includes Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, Magic Johnson, Roger Federer, and, fittingly, LeBron James, per Reuters.
Their careers mirror each other in uncanny ways. Ronaldo debuted in 2002, James in 2003. Both remain global superstars who dominate physically, financially, and culturally. They’ve shattered records, inspired generations, and shown that discipline and passion can keep even the most demanding careers alive well into their forties.
So while Ronaldo may have joked about having more hair, his nod to LeBron James reflects the ultimate respect—one legend recognizing another. Both of them refusing to slow down.