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via Getty

via Getty

Cristiano Ronaldo and his vigor have set new benchmarks in soccer. Even at the age of 38, the Portuguese international continues to play at the top level enthralling fans with his fitness. The striker puts in arguably the most hours in the gym and on the training ground. Ronaldo has become a beacon in terms of fitness for young athletes, with many players hailing CR7 on his levels of athleticism.

Age is just a number for the soccer legend, as he reportedly has the body of a 25-year-old. His fitness even garnered huge praise from the fastest man on earth, Usain Bolt. And according to the famous runner, he may not be the fastest man anymore.

Usain Bolt gives his speed crown to Cristiano Ronaldo

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Usain Bolt is an absolute beast when it comes to track running. The legendary athlete has won many laurels and set a world record by completing 100 meters in just 9.58 seconds at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin. He also ran 200 meters in 19.19 seconds 11 years ago.

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Despite setting such records, the 34-year-old reckoned the former Los Blancos man to be faster than him. “For sure Cristiano [is faster than me],” he said. “For me, he works out every day, he is a super athlete. He is always on top of his game, he works hard and he is focused. Right now I definitely think he would be faster than me,” added the eight-time Olympic gold medalist.

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Bolt’s touching words must have brought a smile to Ronaldo’s face. It is quite remarkable to receive such applause from the legendary runner. Bolt called it quits from professional running in 2017, putting an end to his exceptional career. However, soon after that, the former runner decided to follow his long-held dream of becoming a professional soccer player.

The dream to become a professional soccer player failed

After retiring from athletics, Bolt tried to forge a career in soccer. Aged 30, the runner believed he had enough left in the tank to make it as a professional soccer player and play in a top league. Moreover, the former Jamaican runner also expressed his desire to play for his beloved club, Manchester United. However, he got a chance to prove himself, after getting a two-day trial from German giants Borussia Dortmund back in 2018.

Two months before that, he also trained with South African side Mamelodi Sundowns. Although Bolt gave himself a good rating following his open training session, Dortmund’s former coach Peter Stoger showed the mirror to the runner. He said it was difficult at his age to get to such a level because there’s unlikely any room for development.

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After failing to get a contract from Dortmund, he joined Australian A-League side Central Coast Mariners. He featured in a pre-season friendly and even scored two goals, during his eight-week trial. His performance got him a contract. However, just a month later, Bolt left the Mariners because they couldn’t finance his $3 million wage demands.

Unfortunately, in January 2019, the player announced he wouldn’t further pursue his dream of becoming a soccer player. However, he did play another match, after captaining a team in the Soccer Aid match.

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What are your thoughts on Usain Bolt’s soccer journey? Do you think Ronaldo is now faster than Bolt? Let us know in the comments.