“Cristiano Ronaldo: Iconic footballer with a billion-dollar career. Inspiring, record-breaking, and unparalleled in skill, he stands as a global sports phenomenon.”

Born Name : Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro
Date of birth  : 5 February 1985 (age 38)
Place of birth : Funchal, Madeira, Portugal[1]
Height             : 1.87 m (6 ft 2 in)
Position(s) : Forward, Winger, Attacking midfielder

About 

Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro, known for his stellar career in professional football, currently leads both Al Nassr, a Saudi Pro League club, and the Portugal national team as their forward and captain. His legacy as one of the greatest players in history is marked by an impressive array of achievements. He boasts five Ballon d’Or awards, three UEFA Men’s Player of the Year Awards, and four European Golden Shoes, setting a European player record. Ronaldo’s career tally encompasses 34 trophies, including seven league titles, five UEFA Champions Leagues, the UEFA European Championship, and the UEFA Nations League. Notably, he holds numerous records in goals, appearances, and assists in various competitions.

Starting his senior career at Sporting CP, Ronaldo made a significant impact upon signing with Manchester United in 2003, winning the FA Cup in his debut season. His time at United saw him secure three consecutive Premier League titles, a Champions League triumph, and the FIFA Club World Cup.

At just 23, he claimed his first Ballon d’Or. His subsequent move to Real Madrid in 2009 for a then-record transfer fee solidified his global status. In Madrid, he played a pivotal role, contributing to four Champions League victories and achieving personal milestones, including multiple Ballon d’Or wins and becoming the club’s all-time top scorer.

In 2018, Ronaldo’s transfer to Juventus for a substantial fee made headlines, where he continued his dominance by securing Serie A titles and becoming the league’s Most Valuable Player. His return to Manchester United in 2021 was met with enthusiasm, ending his sole full season as the club’s top scorer before departing in 2022. His current tenure with Al Nassr commenced in 2023.

Internationally, Ronaldo’s impact for Portugal has been monumental. With over 200 caps and more than 100 international goals, he stands as Portugal’s most-capped player and all-time leading goal scorer. He has showcased his prowess in eleven major tournaments, guiding Portugal to triumphs in Euro 2016 and the UEFA Nations League in 2019, earning individual accolades as the tournament’s top scorer.

Off the field, Ronaldo’s global appeal transcends football, making him one of the most marketable and recognizable athletes worldwide. He has been repeatedly recognized as the highest-paid athlete by Forbes and held the title of the world’s most famous athlete by ESPN. Time magazine acknowledged his influence by including him in their list of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2014. Notably, Ronaldo became the first footballer and third sportsman to reach the remarkable milestone of earning $1 billion in his career.

Early life

Born on February 5, 1985, in Funchal, Madeira, Cristiano Ronaldo emerged from humble beginnings. He raised in Santo António by Maria Dolores dos Santos Viveiros da Aveiro and José Dinis Aveiro.

Growing up with his brother Hugo and sisters Elma and Katia, Ronaldo’s childhood was marked by financial struggles in a devout Catholic household. His football journey commenced at Andorinha and Nacional before Sporting CP discovered him at 12.

Relocating to Lisbon, Ronaldo’s dedication to football led him to abandon formal education at 14. He  concentrating solely on his sporting prowess. Despite academic challenges and a brief expulsion,  his talent thrived.

A medical scare with tachycardia threatened his career but successful surgery ensured his return to the pitch. Even his mother, Dolores Aveiro acknowledged his alternate career path in bricklaying. He  had football not intervened, a testament to Ronaldo’s remarkable rise from adversity.

Club career

Sporting CP

At 16 years old, Ronaldo’s remarkable talent caught the eye of Sporting’s first-team manager, László Bölöni . Who swiftly promoted him through the club’s youth ranks. Within a single season, he astonishingly traversed Sporting CP’s under-16, under-17, under-18, B team.  And finally in the senior squad.

His official debut for Sporting’s senior team occurred on August 14, 2002.  UEFA Champions League qualifying match against Inter Milan.  At 17, he made his domestic league debut for Sporting CP B, followed by a standout appearance in the Premier Ligue .  Cristiano Ronaldo had scored two goals in a 3–0 victory over.

His prowess attracted interest from clubs like Liverpool, Barcelona, and Arsenal, but it was Manchester United’s Alex Ferguson who swiftly secured his transfer after being thoroughly impressed by Ronaldo’s talent during a match where Sporting defeated United. This move marked the beginning of Ronaldo’s iconic journey in the Premier League.

 

Manchester United

2003–2007: Development and breakthrough

Ronaldo’s transition to Manchester United was finalized on August 12, 2003.  just after the 2003 FA Community Shield but in time for their clash against Bolton Wanderers at the start of the 2003–04 season.

His signing marked a milestone as the first Portuguese player to join the club and, at that moment, the most expensive teenage transfer in English football history. Despite requesting number 28, he proudly donned the iconic number 7 shirt . A jersey steeped in club history.

His debut, replacing Nicky Butt in a 4–0 victory against Bolton, earned him a standing ovation, praised even by legends like George Best. Ronaldo’s impactful first season included his maiden goal with a free-kick against Portsmouth and a significant contribution in United’s 2004 FA Cup triumph.

Amid early criticism for his flashy style, he showcased immense talent, securing accolades and proving pivotal in United’s successes, setting the stage for his remarkable career in the Premier League.

2007–2008: Collective and individual success

During the 2006–07 UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.  Ronaldo broke his goal drought in the competition, netting twice in a stellar 7–1 win against Roma. His crucial goal in the first leg of the semi-finals against Milan highlighted his impact.

Although United lost the second leg, Ronaldo’s contributions aided their Premier League victory, securing his first league title with the club. His exceptional season earned a slew of individual accolades, including multiple PFA and FWA awards.

Ronaldo’s standout performances led to a significant contract extension with increased wages. Despite speculation about a move to Real Madrid and FIFA involvement, he remained committed to Manchester United for another season.

 

2008–2009: Ballon d’Or and continued success

Ahead of the 2008–09 season, Ronaldo underwent ankle surgery on July 7, sidelining him for 10 weeks. Upon his return.  He marked his 100th goal for United in all competitions during a 5–0 victory against Stoke City. He had achieving the feat of scoring against every Premier League team at the time.

He played a pivotal role in United’s 2008 FIFA Club World Cup triumph in Japan. He securing the Silver Ball award. With prestigious individual honors like the Ballon d’Or and FIFA World Player of the Year.

Ronaldo became a trailblazer for United. Notably winning the FIFA Puskás Award for his astounding 40-yard goal against Porto. Despite a quieter goal tally, he capped off his English tenure with nine trophies before departing after the 2008-09 season.

Real Madrid

2009–2013: World record transfer and La Liga title

In his inaugural La Liga season with Real Madrid, Ronaldo swiftly made his mark, scoring on his debut and continuing with a streak of goals in league and Champions League games. Despite an ankle injury and a subsequent red card, he concluded the season as Madrid’s top scorer but without securing any trophies.

His second season, marked by a return to his Ballon d’Or-winning form, showcased remarkable feats, including four goals in a single match and multiple hat-tricks. Ronaldo played a pivotal role in crucial victories against rivals Barcelona and triumphed in the Copa del Rey final, clinching his first trophy in Spain.

His third season brought even greater success, bagging a record-breaking 46 league goals as Madrid claimed the La Liga title with an impressive 100 points. Subsequent seasons saw Ronaldo’s incredible goal-scoring prowess, multiple hat-tricks, and his contributions to Madrid’s victories, although he fell short in individual accolades compared to rival Lionel Messi.

 

2013–2015: Consecutive Balloon d’Or wins and La Liga

Ronaldo’s tenure at Real Madrid continued to be laden with remarkable achievements. In the 2012–13 season, he marked several milestones, captaining the team, hitting his 200th goal, and achieving a historic record in El Clásico matches. Despite a red card in the Copa del Rey final and elimination in the Champions League semis.

Ronaldo’s impact remained unparalleled. The 2013–14 season witnessed him signing a lucrative contract extension and lifting La Liga with Madrid, sealing his legacy as the first player to score in two European Cup finals for different winning teams. His exceptional goal-scoring spree, numerous hat-tricks, and awards including the FIFA Balloon d’Or made this period one of unprecedented success.

The following season, Ronaldo achieved a personal best of 61 goals, winning the Balloon d’Or for the third time and setting records like fastest to reach 200 La Liga goals. Despite individual feats, Madrid fell short in La Liga and the Champions League, but Ronaldo’s extraordinary scoring prowess and accolades further solidified his status as one of football’s greatest.

Juventus

2018–2020: Consecutive Serie A titles

Ronaldo’s move to Juventus in 2018 saw him make a profound impact. Despite an early Champions League dismissal, he made history with Juventus and set numerous records. His 2018 debut season ended triumphantly with the Supercoppa Italiana win and clinching the Serie A title, a testament to his versatility as the first to secure league victories in England, Spain, and Italy.

The following seasons saw Ronaldo’s prolific goal-scoring, earning him individual accolades like the Serie A MVP award and surpassing milestone after milestone. His exceptional performances made him the highest-scoring Portuguese player in Serie A history, secured a ninth consecutive Serie A title for Juventus, and cemented his place as a record-breaking goal-scorer across Europe’s top leagues.

 

Return to Manchester United

2021–2022: 100 Premier League goals and team struggles.

Ronaldo’s return to Manchester United in 2021 ignited immediate excitement. His second debut was a blaze, netting two goals against Newcastle, and he continued his heroics, breaking records and bagging crucial goals in the Champions League. However, a shift occurred as team chemistry waned under interim manager Ralf Rangnick, affecting Ronaldo’s scoring form.

After a two-month goal drought, he roared back with a hat-trick against Tottenham, breaking Josef Bican’s career goals record. Despite individual accolades, including Player of the Month, his 24 goals couldn’t steer United to silverware, ending his season without a trophy, a rare occurrence in his storied career.

Al-Nassr- Arab Club

2023–present: Arab Club Champions Cup winner

Ronaldo’s move to Al-Nassr sparked a wave of interest, attracting several prominent European players to the Saudi Pro League. He swiftly left his mark, scoring crucial goals in various competitions. In the Arab Club Champions Cup, his impact was immediate, netting vital goals that propelled .

Al-Nassr to their historic tournament victory, claiming the top scorer award. His league debut showcased his prowess, scoring a hat-trick and delivering stellar performances, earning him the SPL Player of the Month twice. Ronaldo’s achievements extended to the AFC Champions League, notably scoring in his debut and maintaining an undefeated record in a historic milestone of 1000 career games.