At the end of January, 2008, Cristiano Ronaldo marked his 300th professional game with his 100th goal. Compare that to the career of another great Portuguese footballer. At the same age as Ronaldo is now, 23, Luis Figo had played 181 matches and had scored 25 times. Figo not only recognises the difference, he is gracious and eloquent in describing it: 'Had I been born with Ronaldo's talent,' said Figo. 'I wouldn't have had to work as hard as I did.'