A remarkable tribute to football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has emerged in the heart of New York City, as a 12-foot statue was unveiled in Times Square to commemorate the superstar's 40th birthday. The installation comes as part of an ambitious attempt to set a new world record for his iconic 'Siuuu' celebration.
The Portuguese phenomenon, who turned 40 on February 5th, has seen his journey from a young talent at Sporting to becoming one of football's greatest ever players immortalized in the bustling center of Manhattan. Created by Italian artist Sergio Furnari, the statue stands as a testament to Ronaldo's enduring legacy in the sport.
Ronaldo's illustrious career, which took flight with his transformative move to Manchester United in 2003 as a teenager, has been marked by unprecedented achievements. His time at Real Madrid saw him become the club's all-time leading goalscorer, followed by successful spells at Juventus and currently at Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Nassr. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has also amassed an incredible 217 international caps and 135 goals for Portugal, cementing his status as an all-time great.
The timing of this American tribute is particularly significant as the United States prepares to co-host the 2026 World Cup. Furnari, the artist behind the statue, extended an open invitation to fans, stating, "February 5th, if you love Ronaldo come to Times Square to celebrate. It's his 40th birthday, don't miss it. We're going to beat the world record of the 'Siu' celebration!" While the outcome of the world record attempt remains unconfirmed, the celebration has brought together fans in one of the world's most iconic locations to honor the football superstar's milestone birthday.
