Playing in a World Cup final at the age of 41 is impressive. Played the last World Cup at the age of 28, a little less. However, on Monday, the company Whoop revealed its team’s estimate of Cristiano Ronaldo’s physiological age. According to the company, which markets bracelets specifically for sports, the Portugal international is a 40-year-old man paired with a body 12 years younger.
“The data doesn’t lie,” smiles the captain of Al-Nassr about “Mild inflammation”, “efficient use of energy” or “high oxygen intake” are the indicators used by the American public to affirm that the former Madrilenian has “extraordinary metabolic control that fuels his muscles, stabilizes his energy and increases his longevity”.
Thus, Cristiano Ronaldo will achieve optimal scores in terms of insulin or hemoglobin use. In other words, it is able to produce a lot of energy and its blood circulation provides “extraordinary” endurance and aerobic capacity. But how can Whoop confirm the footballer’s biological age? “Thanks to connected devices, they can estimate metabolic health,” answered Jean-Bernard Fabre, doctor in the field of sports physiology and biomechanics.
“Mechanical markers are missing”
According to the specialist, the connected bracelet sensors collect data. Parameters such as VO2max – the ability to collect oxygen while breathing –, strength and body composition are considered “the best predictors of healthy longevity”. The values collected from the Portuguese will then be compared with world standards to determine which age category his body will fall into.
“It is not complicated to imagine that by comparing him with standard population norms, Cristiano Ronaldo has the cardiorespiratory capabilities of people aged 30 years and not 40 years,” continued Fabre. If we compare him to a normal person, he is at least ten years younger. However, the question is whether this biological age is compared to the general population or when compared to the population of high-level athletes. »
HumanFab’s founder pointed out another limitation. Whoop only uses physiological markers to justify the rejuvenation of “CR7”. “Mechanical markers, the functional aspect is lost,” he explained. But watches are not able to exploit it well. I’m not sure if Cristiano’s mechanical age is 28, at that time he was probably 52 years old. » Although athletes treat their bodies carefully, a footballer remains vulnerable to contact, heavy workloads and a series of matches.
“It’s rare for athletes to be good parents”
Upon arrival, the connection whistled and the engine beeped. “Top athletes rarely make good parents,” insists Fabre. If your heart is fine, but you can’t move anymore because of pain everywhere…” The indicators provided by Whoop will be quite reliable, but potentially insufficient.
On the other hand, wearable technology companies are doing great marketing stunts. Especially nowadays in the medical field, the goal is no longer just to extend life expectancy, but to age healthily. And Cristiano Ronaldo is also selfless. The former Manchester United player is an ambassador and investor for the brand. He made “one of his most important investments” in Whoop, according to the company’s American press release in 2024.
However, behind the communication, there was a “good initiative”, judge Jean-Bernard Fabre. “It’s a good thing that this makes people aware of the fact that moving, sleeping well and eating well are essential to aging well. » Cristiano Ronaldo meets his criteria, but for him it is a question of hanging out with footballers who also respect them, this summer on the grass fields of North America.
