After previously discussing several aspects of Lionel Messi’s character that resonate with Islamic moral values, some fans of Cristiano Ronaldo may naturally ask, “What about Ronaldo?” He, too, offers several admirable qualities that invite reflection from an Islamic perspective.
In fact, some of Ronaldo’s most defining traits closely align with values that Islam strongly encourages.
However, it must be stated clearly from the outset that this article does not seek to portray Cristiano Ronaldo as a Muslim. To this day, Ronaldo remains a non-Muslim. Nor is this article intended to present him as the ultimate role model.
In Islam, the perfect example remains Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Allah the Almighty says:
لَقَدْ كَانَ لَكُمْ فِي رَسُولِ اللَّهِ أُسْوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ لِمَنْ كَانَ يَرْجُو اللَّهَ وَالْيَوْمَ الْآخِرَ وَذَكَرَ اللَّهَ كَثِيرًا
“Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah you have an excellent example for whoever hopes in Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah often.” (QS. al-Ahzab [33]: 21)
Accordingly, this discussion is purely descriptive. Its purpose is simply to show that some of Ronaldo’s positive characteristics coincide with values also taught in Islam. Perhaps readers who admire Ronaldo will become even more motivated to practice Islamic teachings upon realizing that these virtues were perfectly exemplified by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Discipline as the Path to Excellence
The quality most closely associated with Cristiano Ronaldo is discipline. Throughout more than two decades at the highest level of football, he has been known for arriving early to training sessions. He undertakes extra workouts, maintains a strict diet, follows disciplined sleeping habits, and consistently takes care of his physical fitness.
While many players experience a decline in performance as they age, Ronaldo has remained competitive largely because of his unwavering commitment to his lifestyle.
This attitude reflects the Islamic concept of Istiqamah. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
أَحَبُّ الْأَعْمَالِ إِلَى اللَّهِ أَدْوَمُهَا وَإِنْ قَلَّ
“The deeds most beloved to Allah are those performed consistently, even if they are few.” (HR. al-Bukhari dan Muslim)
Great achievements often result from small habits practiced consistently. This principle applies not only to sports but also to worship. Performing the daily prayers on time, reading the Qur’an regularly, guarding one’s speech, and treating others with kindness all require the same discipline.
If an athlete can train tirelessly to win trophies, then a Muslim should be even more steadfast in seeking the pleasure of Allah.
Caring for the Body as a Trust
Beyond discipline, Ronaldo is also renowned for his commitment to healthy living. He carefully monitors his diet, avoids habits that could damage his body, and maintains peak physical condition through regular training.
Islam regards the human body as a trust (amanah) from Allah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
إِنَّ لِجَسَدِكَ عَلَيْكَ حَقًّا
“Indeed, your body has a right over you.” (Sunan al-Bukhari)
This hadith teaches that maintaining good health is part of a Muslim’s responsibility. A healthy body enables one to worship more effectively, work productively, and benefit others.
Ronaldo’s healthy lifestyle therefore serves as a reminder that the blessing of good health should be preserved with gratitude.
Avoiding Alcohol and Choosing Not to Get Tattoos
In European football culture, alcohol is often commonplace. Ronaldo, however, is well known for abstaining from it. His decision was influenced by witnessing the harmful effects of alcohol on his father, as well as his desire to maintain peak athletic performance.
The Qur’an prohibits intoxicants because of their harmful consequences. Allah says:
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِنَّمَا الْخَمْرُ وَالْمَيْسِرُ وَالْأَنْصَابُ وَالْأَزْلَامُ رِجْسٌ مِنْ عَمَلِ الشَّيْطَانِ فَاجْتَنِبُوهُ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ
“O you who believe! Indeed, intoxicants, gambling, idols, and divining arrows are filth from Satan’s handiwork, so avoid them that you may be successful.” (QS. al-Ma’idah [5]: 90)
Ronaldo is also recognized as one of the few elite footballers without tattoos. According to widely reported accounts, one reason for this decision is his commitment to regularly donating blood without facing medical restrictions that may apply in certain countries.
Islam likewise prohibits permanent tattoos. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
لَعَنَ اللَّهُ الْوَاشِمَاتِ وَالْمُسْتَوْشِمَاتِ
“Allah has cursed those who tattoo and those who seek to be tattooed.” (Sunan al-Bukhari dan Muslim)
Of course, Ronaldo’s choices were not motivated by Islamic teachings. Nevertheless, Muslims may observe that the outcome aligns with Islamic principles of preserving the body and avoiding harm.
Honoring Parents and Caring for Others
On many occasions, Ronaldo has openly expressed his deep love and respect for his mother, who raised him under difficult economic circumstances. Islam likewise places immense importance on honoring one’s parents. Allah says:
وَقَضَىٰ رَبُّكَ أَلَّا تَعْبُدُوا إِلَّا إِيَّاهُ وَبِالْوَالِدَيْنِ إِحْسَانًا
“Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him, and that you show kindness to your parents.” (QS. al-Isra’ [17]: 23)
Indonesians also remember Ronaldo’s compassion following the 2004 Aceh tsunami. He developed a close relationship with Martunis, a young survivor of the disaster, invited him to Portugal, and later visited Aceh himself to support the community’s recovery.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
الرَّاحِمُونَ يَرْحَمُهُمُ الرَّحْمَنُ، ارْحَمُوا مَنْ فِي الْأَرْضِ يَرْحَمْكُمْ مَنْ فِي السَّمَاءِ
“The merciful are shown mercy by the Most Merciful. Show mercy to those on earth, and the One above the heavens will show mercy to you.” (Sunan Abu Dawud dan al-Tirmidzi)
Compassion toward others is a virtue strongly encouraged in Islam, regardless of race, nationality, or religion.
Taking Inspiration Without Losing Direction
Cristiano Ronaldo’s positive qualities—discipline, hard work, commitment to health, respect for parents, and compassion for others—demonstrate that these are universal virtues found in people of many different backgrounds. Muslims are not prohibited from drawing inspiration from such qualities, provided they do not conflict with Islamic teachings.
However, appreciating Ronaldo’s admirable traits does not mean embracing every aspect of his lifestyle. As a non-Muslim, some of his personal choices are inconsistent with Islamic principles, such as living with a partner outside a marriage recognized under Islamic law. Therefore, Muslims should not regard him as a complete role model.
The most balanced approach is to take wisdom without losing direction. We may learn discipline from Cristiano Ronaldo, but when it comes to faith, worship, moral character, and the guidance for life as a whole, our ultimate example remains Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
The Prophet is the perfect uswah hasanah (the finest example for all humanity) whereas global figures such as Ronaldo and Messi can only serve as sources of inspiration in certain aspects of life that happen to align with Islamic values.
