cristiano ronaldo biography in english wikipedia

Cristiano Ronaldo

Who Is Cristiano Ronaldo?

In the 2004 FA Cup final, Ronaldo scored Manchester's first three goals and helped them capture the championship. He set a franchise record for goals scored in 2008, before Real Madrid paid a record $131 million for his services the following year.

Among his many accomplishments, he has won a record-tying five Ballon d'Or awards for player of the year, and led Portugal to an emotional victory in the 2016 European Championship. In July 2018, Ronaldo embarked on a new phase of his career by signing with Italian Serie A club Juventus .

Ronaldo was born on February 5, 1985, in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal, a small island off the western coast of the country. Ronaldo is the youngest of four children born to Maria Dolores dos Santos and José Dinis Aveiro. He was named after Ronald Reagan , one of his father's favorite actors.

Ronaldo grew up in a largely working class neighborhood in a small tin-roofed home that overlooked the ocean. Ronaldo was introduced to the game of soccer through his dad, who worked as an equipment manager at a boy's club.

His early life was shaped by hardship, as his father often drank too much. To help keep the children fed and maintain some financial stability, Ronaldo's mother worked as a cook and cleaning person.

In 2005, when Ronaldo was playing for Manchester United, his father died from alcohol-related kidney problems; in 2007, his mother struggled with breast cancer. The former was especially hard for Ronaldo since he and his dad had been close.

The young athlete had often pushed for his father to enter rehab and address his drinking. His father, however, never accepted the offer.

By the time he was 10 years old, Ronaldo was already recognized as a phenomenon — a kid who ate, slept and drank soccer. "All he wanted to do as a boy was play football," his godfather, Fernao Sousa, recalled for British reporters, adding, "He loved the game so much he'd miss meals or escape out of his bedroom window with a ball when he was supposed to be doing his homework."

By his early teens, Ronaldo's talent and legend had grown considerably. After a stint with Nacional da liha da Madeira, he signed with Sporting Portugal in 2001.

Soccer Career

Manchester united.

In 2001, when Ronaldo was just 16 years old, Manchester United paid more than £12 million to sign him — a record fee for a player of his age.

Ronaldo had turned heads with a mesmerizing performance with Portugal against Manchester, wowing even his opponents with his footwork and deft skill. He made such an impression that a number of United players asked their manager to try and sign the young player, which the team soon did.

Ronaldo did not disappoint the soccer world: He showed his promise early on in the 2004 FA Cup final, scoring the team's first three goals and helping them capture the championship. In 2007, Ronaldo signed a five-year, £31 million contract.

A year later, Ronaldo again justified his high salary when he put together one of the club's finest seasons in history, setting a franchise record for goals scored (42), and earning himself the FIFA World Player of the Year honor for 2008. In all, Ronaldo helped steer Manchester United to three premier league titles.

Real Madrid

In 2009, the Spanish soccer club Real Madrid agreed to pay Manchester United a record $131 million for the chance to sign Ronaldo. Ronaldo’s commitment to Manchester United had come under constant question, and speculation swirled that he wanted to play elsewhere, so nobody was all that surprised to see Ronaldo leave.

"I know that they are going to demand a lot of me to be successful at the club and I know that I'm going to have much more pressure than at Manchester United because I was there for many years," Ronaldo told reporters. "But it means a new challenge and is going to help me be the best footballer."

Ronaldo went on to compile an impressive list of individual honors and team trophies. In December 2016, he won his fourth Ballon d'Or award as the sport's player of the year, beating out FC Barcelona's Lionel Messi .

Ronaldo’s 2016 wins included the European Championship, Champions League and Club World Cup, plus individual awards from UEFA and France Football magazine. The following year, he claimed a fifth Ballon d'Or to tie the mark held by his longtime rival, Messi.

After dropping hints that his time with Real was coming to an end, Ronaldo confirmed the rumors in July 2018 by signing with Italian Serie A club Juventus, which paid a $140 million transfer fee to his old Spanish club.

Ronaldo paid tribute to Real fans in an open letter on the club's website, writing: "These years at Real Madrid and in this city of Madrid have quite possibly been the happiest years of my life. I only have feelings of great gratitude to this club, to the fans and to the city. I can only give thanks to all of them for the love and affection that I have received."

By most measures, Ronaldo's debut season with Juventus was a successful one. He scored 10 times in his first 14 games, and headed home the lone goal in a win over AC Milan for the Supercoppa Italiana trophy. After leading his club to its eighth consecutive Serie A title, he was named the league's MVP in May 2019.

Return to Manchester United

On August 27, 2021, it was announced that Ronaldo would return to Manchester United.

Portugal National Team

On July 10, 2016, Ronaldo added an emotional victory to his collection. As his national team's captain, Ronaldo led Portugal to the European Championship final against France.

Although he was sidelined after suffering a knee injury 25 minutes into the match, Portugal went on to win the championship title 1-0, their first international trophy. Ronaldo's teammates said that he motivated them as team captain from the sidelines.

"He gave us a lot of confidence and he said, 'Listen people, I'm sure we will win this Euro so stay together and fight for it,’” fullback Cedric Soares said after Portugal’s victory.

"This is one of the happiest moments in my career,” Ronaldo commented. ”I’ve always said I wanted to win a trophy with the national team and make history. And I did it. Thank God, things went well for us."

Ronaldo got off to a tremendous start at the 2018 World Cup, blasting home three goals in an opening draw vs. Spain, before adding another vs. Morocco to set a European record with his 85th international goal.

However, he was held scoreless in a 2-1 loss to Uruguay in the knockout stage, after which he declined to comment on his future with the national team.

DOWNLOAD BIOGRAPHY'S CRISTIANO RONALDO FACT CARD

Personal Life

Ronaldo is dating the Spanish model Georgina Rodriguez; the couple was first seen together publicly around November 2016.

In June 2017, the couple welcomed twins, a boy and a girl, via a surrogate. In November 2017, Rodriguez added to their family with the birth of another girl.

Ronaldo’s first child, Cristiano Jr., was born to a former girlfriend in June 2010.

Statue at the Madeira Airport

In March 2017, self-taught sculptor Emanuel Santos unveiled a bronze bust of Ronaldo at the airport in Ronaldo’s hometown of Madeira, Portugal. The statue was ridiculed for its sinister smile and apparent lack of likeness to its subject, though Santos didn't seem to understand the uproar.

"I asked [Ronaldo] what he thought of the result and he said he liked it," said Santos. "He only asked for some wrinkles that give him a certain expression to his face when he laughs to be changed. He said it made him look older and asked for it to be thinned out a bit to make it smoother and more jovial."

In the wake of the negative publicity, the sports site Bleacher Report commissioned Santos to fashion another sculpture of Ronaldo. This one, unveiled in March 2018, earned praise for more closely resembling the soccer great, though its creator continued to defend his original work.

"I liked the result [of the first bust] and was really proud of it," he told Bleacher Report. "And if I had to do it again, I would make everything exactly the same."

Sexual Assault Investigation

In 2018, police in Las Vegas, Nevada, reopened a 9-year old investigation into claims that Ronaldo had raped a woman in his hotel room. The accuser also filed a civil lawsuit against the star athlete.

The following summer, the district attorney for Clark County, Nevada, announced that he had reviewed the case and would not be pursuing criminal charges against Ronaldo.

QUICK FACTS

• Name: Ronaldo
• Birth Year: 1985
• Birth date: February 5, 1985
• Birth City: Funchal, Madeira
• Birth Country: Portugal
• Gender: Male
• Best Known For: Cristiano Ronaldo is a professional soccer player who has set records while playing for the Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus clubs, as well as the Portuguese national team.
• Astrological Sign: Aquarius
• Nacionalities
• Interesting Facts
• When Cristiano Ronaldo was just 16 years old, Manchester United paid more than £12 million to sign him — a record fee for a player of his age.

We strive for accuracy and fairness.If you see something that doesn't look right, contact us !

CITATION INFORMATION

• Article Title: Cristiano Ronaldo Biography
• Author: Biography.com Editors
• Website Name: The Biography.com website
• Url: https://www.biography.com/athletes/cristiano-ronaldo
• Access Date:
• Publisher: A&E; Television Networks
• Last Updated: August 31, 2021
• Original Published Date: April 2, 2014
• Many people look at me and think they know me, but they don't at all.
• My father always taught me that when you help other people, then God will give you double.
• Listen, I'm not going to change the world. You're not going to change the world. But we can help, we can all help.
• When I was younger I couldn't understand the meaning of true friendship. Now I have more experience and I know who loves me without wanting anything.
• It means a new challenge and is going to help me be the best footballer."[On leaving Manchester United to play for Real Madrid.]
• I want to win all the trophies possible!
• I don't like to do things by halves. It has to be done well.
• Either you like me or not. There is nothing in between.
• I look at the ball, I look at the net and I say to myself, 'Take the kick, Ronaldo,' then I shoot.
• The goals I have scored are a consequence of the confidence I have.
• I keep to my word, my promise and dreams. I'll never close any door to any club.

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Biography Online

Biography Cristiano Ronaldo

Short Biography Cristiano Ronaldo

His second name ‘Ronaldo’ was named after his father’s favourite American actor – Ronald Reagan.

From an early age, he loved playing football. His talent, enthusiasm and love for the game soon became apparent. By the age of ten, his talent was becoming well known in Portugal and he was signed for Nacional, a Portuguese side from Madeira. He later signed for Sporting Lisbon – one of the biggest clubs in Portugal.

His first international exposure came when representing Portugal under 17s at the UEFA championships. His performance caused him to be marked by leading European football managers. In 2003, he played against Manchester United when Sporting beat them 3-1 in a friendly.

At Manchester United, his career steadily progressed. In the 2006/07 season, Ronaldo was a key figure in Manchester’s successful league campaign. Ronaldo scored over 20 goals, as he won his first championship. In March 2007, his prowess helped him to gain a record-breaking £120,000 a week five-year contract. He also won PFA player of the year award.

The 2007-08 season was even better, with Cristiano Ronaldo being named the player of the tournament, as Manchester United won the coveted Champions League trophy. The most prestigious club competition in the world. Sir Alex Ferguson said of Ronaldo:

“We’ve had some great players at this club in my 20 years, but he’s up with the best.”

Real Madrid

However, despite the success, Ronaldo expressed a desire to leave the club, and move to Real Madrid. In 2009, Manchester United accepted an offer of £80 million from Real Madrid, making Ronaldo the most expensive player in the world.

His prolific goal-scoring record has lead to frequent comparison with Barcelona’s exceptional Lionel Messi. Sometimes, Ronaldo played up the rivalry, but at other times played it down.

“It’s part of my life now. People are bound to compare us. He tries to do his best for his club and for his national team, as I do, and there is a degree of rivalry with both of us trying to do the best for the teams we represent.”

– Cristiano Ronaldo

On 10 July 2018, Ronaldo was signed by Italian club Juventus for a €100 transfer fee (plus additional €12 million in other fees. In his first season, he helped Juventus to another Serie A title, and Ronaldo became the first player to win national titles in the big three leagues of England, Spain and Italy.

World Cup and international career.

Style of Play

There is widespread admiration for the athleticism, speed, talent and technical ability of Ronaldo. He has the capacity to dribble and beat players, and score a spectacular array of goals from overhead bicycle kicks to free-kicks and headers. Over the years, he has worked on both his physical strength and technical ability. He plays with tremendous confidence and often makes use of feints, dummies and step-overs, his skill and reputation make him a feared opponent. His self-confidence is a defining feature of his game and personality. Interviewed in 2018, he replied

“In my mind, I’m always the best. I don’t care what people think, what they say. In my mind, not just this year but always, I’m always the best.”

Cristiano Ronaldo BBC Sport ( 5 November 2015 ).

Ronaldo has a strong work ethic, and has been able to maintain a consistently high standard of play for several seasons:

“I am not a perfectionist, but I like to feel that things are done well. More important than that, I feel an endless need to learn, to improve, to evolve, not only to please the coach and the fans, but also to feel satisfied with myself. It is my conviction that there are no limits to learning, and that it can never stop, no matter what our age.”

– Cristiano Ronaldo.

He has sometimes been accused of having a petulant side. For example at the 2010 World Cup, he winked after getting David Beckham sent off.

Outside of football

Outside of football, he is often photographed with his model girlfriends and in his many sports car. Perhaps unfairly, he is characterised as the ultimate ‘playboy’ footballer, with his styled hair, and expensive clothes. In 2009, he was involved in a crash whilst driving his Ferrari. However, after reacting to newspaper claims he was involved in drinking in England, he replied,

“I don’t smoke or drink, and I’m not a big spender. I live in a rural part of Cheshire and my nearest neighbours are squirrels, birds and cows. Much of my time is spent at home with friends and family. I enjoy being peaceful and often sit by the candlelight to relax. Tranquillity is important to me.”

Ronaldo says he does not drink alcohol, which may be related to the early death of his father in 2005, aged 52 from alcohol-related liver damage.

He has also been involved in numerous philanthropy initiatives and has given parts of his salary to charitable relief efforts. He serves as a Save the Children Global artist ambassador.

Family life

He has three children via a surrogate mother and one daughter with a former girlfriend, Spanish model Georgina Rodriguez.

The legendary George Best said of Ronaldo:

“There have been a few players described as the new George Best over the years, but this is the first time it’s been a compliment to me.”

Citation: Pettinger, Tejvan . “Biography of Cristiano Ronaldo”, Oxford, UK. www.biographyonline.net Last updated 18 March 2020.

Career Achievements

• Ronaldo is the only player to win the unique combination of the league title, domestic cup, domestic Supercup, Champions League, Club World Cup, League player of the year, Golden Shoe and Ballon d’Or at two clubs (Manchester United and Real Madrid)
• Most goals scored in a single calendar year for club and country: 63 goals (2012)
• Most goals scored in the UEFA Champions League: 128 goals (2020)
• Winner of five FIFA Ballon d’Or awards (given to world’s best player)
• Only player to win national titles in England, Spain and Italy.
• Five times winner of UEFA Champions League (4 with Real Madrid, 1 with Man Utd)
• Four times winner of FIFA club world cup.
• At the time (2009) The most expensive footballer in history £80 million – Man Utd to Real Madrid
• Only player in history to have scored 60 or more goals in a calendar year four times (consecutively from 2011 to 2014)
• The only player to score 50 goals or more in seven consecutive seasons (2011-17)
• Real Madrid all-time top goalscorer: 450 goals
• Most goals scored in a season in all competitions: 60 goals
• Most goals scored in a single La Liga season: 46 goals
• Most goals scored in a single UEFA Champions League season: 17 goals
• Most hat-tricks in a La Liga career (25)
• Most international goals scored in a calendar year: 32 (2017)
• First player to score in ten consecutive international tournaments (2004-19)
• Portugal’s most capped player of all time: 164 caps
• Portugal’s all-time top goalscorer: 99 goals

Cristiano Ronaldo The Rise of a Winner

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13 Comments

Imagine saying pepsi(messi) is better than the goat (Ronaldo)

• February 10, 2022 5:23 PM

Christiano is the best player in the whole world

• January 07, 2022 11:34 AM
• By Adebisi adeyinka

cr7 is the best player in worldwide

• December 28, 2021 7:50 AM
• By akindejoye tayo

Join the Discussion Cancel reply

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Cristiano Ronaldo

Introduction.

Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro was born on February 5, 1985, in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal. His father was the equipment manager for Andorinha, the local football club. Ronaldo first played for Clube Desportivo Nacional de Madeira and then transferred to Sporting Clube de Portugal (known as Sporting Lisbon). He played for various youth teams for Sporting Lisbon before making his debut on Sporting’s first team in 2002. Ronaldo’s position was originally a right-winger, but he developed into a forward.

Playing Career

Manchester united.

Ronaldo’s successful season with Sporting brought him to the attention of Europe’s biggest clubs. In 2003 he became the first Portuguese player to sign with Manchester United, one of England’s richest and best-supported football clubs. He was an instant sensation and soon came to be regarded as one of the best forwards in the game. His most successful season with Manchester United came in 2007–08. That season Ronaldo won the Golden Shoe award as Europe’s leading scorer and FIFA World Player of the Year honors. Ronaldo led Manchester United to a Champions League title in May 2008. In 2009 he led United to another Champions League final, but they lost to FC Barcelona.

Real Madrid

Ronaldo moved to the Spanish club Real Madrid the following season. During the 2010–11 season he scored the most goals (40) in La Liga (Spanish football league) history. (That record was broken the following season by Lionel Messi at FC Barcelona.) Ronaldo helped Madrid win the La Liga championship in 2011–12. In 2013 he earned his second world player of the year award. In 2014 Ronaldo scored 52 goals in 43 games. He led Madrid to a Champions League title, and he won another world player of the year award.

In October 2015 Ronaldo became Real Madrid’s all-time leading goal scorer when he netted his 324th goal. His play continued to lead the team to La Liga and Champions League titles. In 2016 he captured his fourth player of the year award, and his fifth came the next year. In the 2017–18 season Ronaldo scored 44 goals in 44 games, and Real Madrid won a third straight Champions League title.

In July 2018 he signed a contract with Juventus, one of Italy’s oldest and most successful clubs. He scored 101 goals during the 131 games he played for Juventus. Ronaldo returned to Manchester United in August 2021 but left the club in 2022.

National Team

Ronaldo made his first appearance on Portugal’s national team in 2003. He helped the team finish in fourth place at the 2006 World Cup. In 2008 he became full-time captain of the national team. In 2016 he helped Portugal win the European Championship. It was Portugal’s first major international tournament title. In September 2021 Ronaldo broke the record for most goals in international football when he scored his 110th and 111th goals during Portugal’s match against the Republic of Ireland. Ronaldo achieved another milestone at the World Cup in 2022. He scored a goal in Portugal’s opening match against Ghana. With that, he became the first male player in history to have scored a goal at five World Cups.

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Cristiano Ronaldo Biography

Birthday: February 5 , 1985 ( Aquarius )

Born In: Funchal, Portugal

Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo is often regarded as one of the best footballers to have ever played the game and his performances over the better part of a decade have only helped in reinforcing that belief among football fans. Ronaldo grew up in Madeira, Portugal but after graduating from the youth set up at Sporting CP he was immediately snapped up by English club Manchester United after his talent as a winger was spotted by their legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson . Ronaldo spent six years at Manchester United and that was where he developed his game as a skillful, quick, lethal winger who could score goals and create opportunities for his teammates. He won plenty of trophies for Manchester United and also shone for Portugal before he moved to Real Madrid as the world’s most expensive player. At Real Madrid, he has broken some of the most important goal-scoring records that had stood for many years and also led the club to important trophies. Ronaldo is also the captain of the Portuguese national team and led them to victory in Euro 2016—their first-ever triumph in a major tournament. He has also won several individual awards that have further cemented his status as one of the world’s premier footballers. With over 598 million followers, Cristiano Ronaldo is the most-followed individual on Instagram.

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Nick Name: The Sultan Of The Stepover

Girlfriend: Georgina Rodríguez , Irina Shayk (2010–2015)

Also Known As: Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro

Age: 39 Years , 39 Year Old Males

father: José Dinis Aveiro

mother: Maria Dolores dos Santos Aveiro

siblings: Elma Aveiro, Hugo Aveiro, Liliana Catia Aveiro

children: Alana Martina dos Santos Aveiro , Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. , Eva Maria Dos Santos , Mateo Ronaldo

Born Country: Portugal

Quotes By Cristiano Ronaldo Football Players

Height: 6'2" (188 cm ), 6'2" Males

Ancestry: Cape Verdean Portuguese

awards: Ballon d'Or - 2008 European Golden Shoe - 2015-2011-2008 FIFA World Player of the Year - 2009

Pichichi Trophy - 2015-2014-2011 FIFA Puskás Award - 2009 UEFA Best Player in Europe Award - 2014 FIFA FIFPro World XI - 2012-2011-2010 UEFA Team of the Year - 2012-2011-2010 PFA Players' Player of the Year - 2007-2006 Premier League Player of the Month - 2008-2008-2006 Premier League Golden Boot - 2007 Best International Athlete ESPY Award - 2014 PFA Young Player of the Year - 2006 Premier League Player of the Season - 2007-2006 Onze d'Or - 2008 FWA Footballer of the Year - 2007-2006 PFA Fans' Player of the Year - 2007-2006 Goal 50 - 2012-2008 Trofeo Alfredo Di Stéfano - 2011 UEFA Club Footballer of the Year - 2007 World Soccer Player of the Year - 2008 UEFA Champions League Top Goalscorer - 2015-2014-2013 Bravo Award - 2004 PFA Team of the Year - 2008-2007-2006 La Liga Player of the Month - 2013 Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year - 2007-2006-2003 BBC Overseas Sports Personality of the Year - 2014 LFP Most Valuable Player - 2013 Milliyet Sports Award for World Athlete of the Year - 2014 FifPro Special Young Player of the Year - 2005-2004 IFFHS World's Best Top Division Goal Scorer - 2013 UEFA Club Forward of the Year - 2007 FIFA Ballon d'Or - 2015-2014

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Cristiano Ronaldo was born on February 5, 1985, in Madeira, Portugal, to Jose Dinis Aveiro and his wife Maria Dolores dos Santos Aveiro. His father was a gardener with the municipality while his mother worked as a cook. Ronaldo was the youngest child among four children; the other being a son and two daughters.

Ronaldo was expelled from the school after he assaulted his teacher by throwing a chair at him. He had always been a keen footballer and by the time he was fourteen years old he decided to concentrate on becoming a professional footballer. Ronaldo had been playing for Androrinha since he was 8.

In 1995, Cristiano Ronaldo joined the club ‘Nacional’ located in his hometown of Madeira, and following his good show for them he joined one of the biggest clubs in Portugal, namely, ‘Sporting CP’ after clearing a trial.

During his time at Sporting CP Cristiano Ronaldo played for all the levels, i.e., under-16, under-17, under-18, B-team, and the first team before finally graduating into the senior team in the year 2002. He scored two goals in his league debut and announced his arrival on the big scene. His exploits for Sporting CP brought him into prominence and some of the biggest clubs in England like Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester United started courting him.

Cristiano Ronaldo played in a UEFA Champions League against Manchester United, in 2003. The manager of the English club Sir Alex Ferguson was impressed by his performance and brought him to the club in the same year. In his first season at Manchester United, Ronaldo scored three goals in the league and also scored in the FA Cup final to help the club win the trophy. A year after joining Manchester United, Ronaldo scored two goals in the European Championships for Portugal as the team ended runners up on home soil.

Cristiano Ronaldo became one of Manchester United’s most important players during his six-year stint at the club and during that time the club became one of the most successful clubs in Europe as it won three league titles on the trot as well as the UEFA Champions League in 2008. Ronaldo scored 84 goals for the club in 196 league games and became one of the best players in the world.

At the 2006 World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo was an integral part of the Portuguese national team as they reached the semifinal of the tournament; Ronaldo scored one goal in the tournament. The following year he was named the captain of the national team but in the European Championships that followed the next year, he scored only one goal as the team crashed out in the quarter-finals.

In 2009, Cristiano Ronaldo became the most expensive player in the world after Spanish giant Real Madrid paid Manchester United £80 million to bring him to Madrid. He scored 33 goals in his very first season. In the following season, he ended the Spanish league season with 40 goals, which became a record in the league’s history and helped Real Madrid win the Copa del Rey.

Cristiano Ronaldo led Portugal at the Football World Cup in South Africa in 2010, but he had a quiet tournament, scoring only one goal as the team was knocked out by Spain in the round of 16. In 2012, he was the main inspiration for the team as he scored three goals to lead the team to the semifinal of the European Championships but Portugal was knocked out by Spain yet again in a penalty shootout.

In 2012, Cristiano Ronaldo helped Real Madrid win the Spanish league title and it proved to be his first league title with the club. He scored 60 goals in all competitions in the season as Real Madrid cantered to the title with 100 points. He followed it up with a haul of 55 goals in all competitions the following season.

The season that started in 2013, was a particularly special one for Ronaldo as he scored a staggering 51 goals in the season and at the same time helped Real Madrid win their coveted 10th UEFA Champions League title. In the Champions League, Ronaldo scored 17 goals which made him the highest scorer ever in a single season of the tournament. He has a total of 89 goals in the tournament overall.

In the 2014 World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo had a disappointing tournament as Portugal was knocked out in the first round with him scoring only one goal. He has scored 50 goals for Portugal in his career and that is the highest for any Portuguese player. In the league seasons that started that year, Ronaldo was in sublime form as he notched up 61 goals in total and also became the fastest player to reach the 200-goal milestone in the Spanish league. He reached it in 178 games.

He captained Portugal in their 2016 Euro Cup campaign and led them to victory. In the final against France, he got injured and was stretchered off the pitch after just 25 minutes but ultimately Portugal went on to win the match. Ronaldo was awarded the Silver Boot as he was the joint second-highest goalscorer in the tournament.

In the 2018 World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo became the oldest player ever to score a hat-trick in a World Cup match. He scored a hat-trick against Spain. Portugal progressed to the last 16 and was eliminated following a 2–1 defeat to Uruguay. Nevertheless, he earned his name in the World Cup Dream Team for his performance during the tournament.

After the World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo made his first appearance in the 2019 UEFA Nations League Finals where he scored a hat-trick against Switzerland in the semi-finals. In September 2019, during the Euro 2020 qualifying match, he delivered 4 goals against Lithuania, resulting in a 5–1 for Portugal. He also set the record for most goals in the European Qualifiers. In October, he scored his 700th senior career goal against Ukraine in a 2–1 loss in a Euro 2020 qualifier.

In November 2019, he went on to score his 99th international goal against Luxembourg in a 2-0 win which advanced Portugal to the UEFA Euro 2020. He went on to score his 100th and 101st international goals in a 2020–21 UEFA Nations League match against Sweden.

In June 2021, he gave 2 goals against Hungary in the first game of Euro 2020, bringing his total to 11 European Championship goals. He went on to score 2 penalty shots against France in a 2-2 draw. Portugal later suffered a defeat against Belgium and was eliminated from the tournament. Cristiano Ronaldo won the Golden Boot for his performance in the competition.

In September 2021 in a World Cup qualifier, Cristiano Ronaldo delivered 2 goals against the Republic of Ireland in a 2–1 win. In October, he scored an opening goal in a 3-0 win against Qatar. With his 181st international appearance, he set the record for the most international caps received by a European player. Later, he contributed 3 goals against Luxembourg in a 5-0 win.

Expectedly, he was named in Portugal's squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. In November, he delivered a penalty goal against Ghana. However, he was substituted against South Korea in the last group game. He was later dropped from the opening line-up but later returned to the field as Portugal registered their 6–1 win record. However, Portugal later lost to Morocco in a 1-0 match and the latter advanced to the World Cup semi-finals.

Post-World Cup, he was named in Portugal’s squad for the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers against Liechtenstein and Luxembourg. Later, in the match against Liechtenstein, Portugal took home victory in a 4-0 win.

Cristiano Ronaldo was awarded the Ballon D’Or (later known as the FIFA World Player of the Year Award) in 2008 when he was a Manchester United player.

In 2013, he won the FIFA World Player of the Year Award and won it again the following year.

Cristiano Ronaldo holds the record for being the highest scorer in the history of Real Madrid with 450 goals.

Cristiano Ronaldo is the highest-ever goal scorer in the UEFA Champions League with 140 career goals to date.

Forbes magazine ranked him the world's highest-paid athlete in 2016, and 2017.

Cristiano Ronaldo's father, José Dinis Aveiro, died in September 2005, due to an alcoholism-related liver condition.

His mother, Maria Dolores dos Santos Aveiro, is a cancer survivor; she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007 but eventually recovered. However, in February 2019, she was again diagnosed with cancer.

Cristiano Ronaldo has had six children out of which three have been born via surrogate mothers. He first became a father on June 17, 2010, when his son, Cristiano Jr ., was born via surrogacy. Ronaldo did not reveal the identity of his son's mother.

On June 8, 2017, he became father to twins, daughter Eva and son Mateo, via surrogacy.

From 2010 to 2015, he was in a relationship with Russian model Irina Shayk .

He is currently in a relationship with Spanish model, Georgina Rodríguez , and the couple was blessed with a daughter, Alana Martina, on November 12, 2017. On April 18, 2022, the couple was blessed with twins, a boy, and a girl, however, the boy died during childbirth.

In early 2023, he, along with his girlfriend and children, moved to Saudi Arabia after being signed by the Saudi Arabian club, Al Nassr FC. While it is illegal for unmarried couples to live together in Saudi Arabia, the administration made an exception for Cristiano Ronaldo.

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Cristiano Ronaldo exhausted all superlatives during his first spell with Manchester United, while he matured from an inexperienced, young winger in 2003 into officially the best footballer on the planet in 2009.

On the day he departed for Real Madrid in a deal worth £80m - making him the world's most expensive player - his former manager Sir Alex Ferguson said, "Cristiano has been a marvellous player for Manchester United. His contribution has been a major factor in the club’s success in that time and his talent, his ability to entertain and his infectious personality have enthralled fans the world over." The story goes that Sir Alex was persuaded to buy Ronaldo - largely unknown when he signed as an 18-year-old for £12.24m in 2003 - by his players on the plane home from a pre-season friendly against Sporting. In truth, the boss had long been aware of his ability. The urgency stemmed from other clubs’ increasing interest. This was a target Sir Alex simply could miss out on. Ronaldo wasted little time in showing off his sublime skills with a stunning 30-minute debut against Bolton at OT in August 2003. There was a buzz of excitement as soon as he stepped off the bench and, after 39 appearances and eight goals that season – including the opener in the 3-0 FA Cup final win over Millwall – he was named Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year. His second term didn’t quite live up to his first, but late season form saw him end 2004/05 with nine goals in 50 appearances. In 2005/06 Ronny again reserved his best form for the latter stages, but the inconsistencies of a developing young player were being ironed out. He departed, full of hope and with great expectations, for the 2006 World Cup finals in Germany - what turned out to be a truly defining moment in his career. In the quarter finals, Portugal met England and, after Wayne Rooney’s sending off, Ronaldo became the pantomime villain for the English press. Some doubted he would return to Manchester. But Sir Alex assured him any ill-feeling would blow over. It’d happened with Eric Cantona and David Beckham. Ronaldo met the inevitable boos with the best football of his life. United’s title success in 2006/2007 was a team effort, but one man took the lead role in every major plotline. It began with the barnstorming 5-1 win over Fulham – Ronaldo and Rooney ran the show and publicly banished claims they were at odds. Dazzling wing-play was backed with regular assists and crucial goals. His form that season brought a glut of individual accolades and, despite interest from other clubs - notably Real Madrid - he extended his contract until 2012. Ronaldo improved further in 2007/08, netting a staggering 42 goals in all competitions. In May 2008 he fired United to domestic and European glory; scoring a decisive penalty on the final day of the league campaign and a powerful header in the Champions League final in Moscow. His staggering individual performances gleaned a clean sweep of club and domestic individual honours, with global gongs soon to follow. At Euro 2008, Ronaldo’s future was again the subject of claim and counter-claim. Happily, in the end, he pledged his allegiance to United, although ankle surgery delayed his start to the 2008/09 campaign. He made his return as a substitute against Villarreal in the Champions League and was given a rousing home reception. Two months later, his 100th Reds goal arrived against Stoke City at OT on 15 November 2008. Ronaldo’s magical 2008 was rounded off with another string of individual honours. In October he was named FIFPro Player of the Year, and in December became the first United player since George Best in 1968 to be awarded the prestigious Ballon d’Or trophy. To cap it off, in January 2009, he became the first Red to win the FIFA World Player of the Year award. "This is the climax of a fantastic era," he said. "I'm lucky to be part of United's history. It's one of the most important moments of my life, I hope to be back in this position again." While Ronaldo did not dominate on the field in 2008/09 to the same degree as he did in 2007/08, he still played a significant role as the Reds achieved a hat-trick of league titles and reached a second successive European Cup final. For example, Cristiano scored in all three knock-out rounds of the Champions League, including the club's Goal of the Season to defeat Porto in the quarter-final second leg in his native Portugal and a double in the semi-final second leg against Arsenal. In his final appearance at Old Trafford, Ronaldo received his third championship medal after the Reds sealed the title with a point against Arsenal. There was no indication then that Cristiano was contemplating an exit - but that all changed on 11 June 2009 when United announced he had "expressed his desire to leave" and that Real Madrid's world record £80m offer had been accepted. Less than three weeks later, the transfer was concluded. In the next 12 seasons - nine with Real Madrid and then three with Juventus - Ronaldo continued to evolve as a player and add more trophies to his glittering CV, as well as individual honours including a further four Ballon d'Or awards, giving him five in total. By the summer of 2021, he had won over 30 major trophies during his career, including five UEFA Champions Leagues, four FIFA Club World Cups, and seven league championships after becoming the first player to win the title in England, Spain and Italy. He also experienced international glory by captaining Portugal to victory in the final of Euro 2016. On 27 August 2021, United stunned the football world, and delighted the club's global fan base, by announcing a transfer deal had been struck with Juventus for Ronaldo to rejoin the Reds. Four days later, his transfer was finalised. The 36-year-old was home. In his first season back at the club, Cristiano scored 24 goals - 18 in the Premier League, six in the Champions League - as he made 38 appearances across all competitions. But Ronaldo's second stint at Old Trafford ended after a few months of the following campaign. On 22 November 2022, the club announced he was "to leave Manchester United by mutual agreement".

12 Aug 2003

16 Aug 2003

v Bolton (H) League

22 Nov 2022

Latest View More

15 april 2009: porto 0 united 1.

FULL MATCH REPLAY | Cristiano Ronaldo scored one of his most iconic goals in this win at Porto, on 15 April 2009...

• Apr '24 published time Apr 24 Full Match

15 April 2009: Ronaldo's rocket v Porto

Cristiano Ronaldo scored this rocket at Porto, 15 years ago today! Come back at 20:00 BST to see the match in full...

• Apr '24 published time Apr 24 Match Highlights

United 7 Roma 1

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The Top 20 Premier League Free-Kicks

TOP 20 | Our countdown of United’s greatest Premier League free-kicks is a truly sensational watch…

• Mar '24 published time Mar 24 Video

GOTD: Ronaldo v Tottenham

Goal of the Day | In 2022, Cristiano Ronaldo scored this sublime strike as his hat-trick sealed our 3-2 win v Spurs...

• Jan '24 published time Jan 24 Video

Who is United's best-ever penalty taker?

We put the case forward for five Reds, as you're asked to answer a ridiculously tough question...

• Jan '24 published time Jan 24 Features

The day United won the title at Wigan

The perfect script was written when the Reds lifted a 10th Premier League title in 2008.

• Jan '24 published time Jan 24 Classic Match

Pellistri: Ronaldo number link is special

Facundo tells us why he loves wearing no.28 at United during his upcoming Fans' Q&A.

• Dec '23 published time Dec 23 News

Erik: Alejandro has high potential

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• Nov '23 published time Nov 23 Press Conference

Reds who scored against former clubs in Europe

Can you name the four Reds who have scored against their former clubs in Europe? Watch for the answers...

• Nov '23 published time Nov 23 Video

Hojlund is the fifth Red to achieve this feat

Rasmus has emulated four other United players by scoring a European Cup away goal in his homeland.

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Strikers' first Champions League goals

Watch our collection of Reds strikers' maiden goals in the Champions League for the club...

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Facundo is thrilled to potentially play in the Champions League, where his idols showed their quality.

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Cristiano Ronaldo

• Born February 5 , 1985 · Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
• Birth name Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro
• The Sultan Of The Stepover
• Pride of Portugal
• Height 6′ 1″ (1.85 m)
• Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro was born on February 5, 1985, in Madeira, Portugal to Maria Dolores dos Santos Aveiro and José Diniz Aveiro. Cristiano has an elder brother, Hugo and two elder sisters, Elma and Liliana Cátia. His name was inspired by the former US-president, Ronald Reagan, whom his father was influenced by. The island of Madeira was also the place where Cristiano first learned to master his skills as a footballer. He spent his early years playing for his local team, Nacional, and by the time he turned 12 years old, he already made his name for himself as one of Madeira's top footballers . It wasn't long before he started to catch the attention of other big Portuguese clubs. Among Sporting was Benfica, a team Cristiano and his father followed as a young boy. However he eventually chose to play for Sporting which was a team his mother loved and followed as she was growing up, to play with the likes of Figo was the dream for her son. He was then spotted by former Liverpool manager, Gerard Houllier at the age of sixteen but Liverpool had no intentions to sign him at that time because they thought he was too young and he needed more time to develop his skills. However, in the summer of 2003, when Sporting played against Manchester United and defeated them, Cristiano caught the attention of Manchester United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson. Ronaldo became Manchester United's first-ever Portuguese player. Initially, he requested for the number 28 as his jersey number because he didn't feel that he could live up to the pressure of previous players such as George Best and David Beckham who wore the number 7 jersey. The year 2006 to 2008 proved to be a rather controversial year for the star. In the 2006 World Cup, Cristiano faced accusations regarding his sportsmanship. In a quarter-final match against England, he was heavily criticized for sending of his club team mate, Wayne Rooney who was playing for the England team. It wasn't too long until fans started accepting Cristiano again. In 2007, he won PFA Young Player of the Year, PFA Player of the Year, PFA Fans' Player of the Year, Portuguese Footballer of the Year, FWA Footballer of the Year, Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year and Manchester United's Players' Player of the Year. The year 2008 also saw him taking back the PFA Player Of The Year Award for the second time running. That same year, Ronaldo also had to deal with controversies regarding his club transfer to Spanish giants, Real Madrid. He eventually chose to stay with Manchester United and stressed to the public that he had no intentions of leaving the club. Cristiano now lives with his cousin, Nuno and his brother in law Ze. When he is not on the field, he is a very family oriented person. Growing up, when he was about to choose football as his career, he said that it was very difficult for him as that would mean lesser time with his family, especially his mother, whom he says play a major role in his life. During his free time, Cristiano enjoys cooking. He mentioned in an interview that he usually cooks before he leaves for his soccer practice. Because he is constantly training, Cristiano rarely has time to watch TV. If he does get the time to watch, he says he loves watching one of the local Portuguese game show which is mostly about trivia questions. Cristiano is an avid learner and he takes interest in learning new things everyday. Among Cristiano's biggest pet peeves are smoking, people who don't make an effort and dishonesty. When the tsunami hit South East Asia, Cristiano flew to Indonesia to help those in need. He auctioned off a few stuff to help raise funds for charity. He hopes to get involved in more charity projects in the future because he believes his star status will help him reach out to others for help. - IMDb Mini Biography By: Ezequiel De Castilla
• Children Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. Alana Martina dos Santos Aveiro Mateo Ronaldo Eva Maria Dos Santos Bella Esmeralda dos Santos Aveiro
• After playing against Manchester United in a pre-season friendly the Manchester United players urged the manager to sign Cristiano on the the plane back to Manchester.
• Was signed by Manchester United as a long term replacement for David Beckham .
• Became the most expensive teenager in Britain in 2003.
• Scored Manchester United Football Club's 1,000th league goal against Middlesbrough Football Club.
• Flew to Indonesia to visit the areas affected by the tsunami and raised over 1 billion rupiah by auctioning off his personal sports gear.
• I would be very proud if, one day, I'm held in the same esteem as George Best or Beckham. It's what I'm working hard towards.
• Lots of young players have triumphed at United, so why can't it happen to me? I'm not worried I'm young - it's an incentive to do the best I can.
• The No 7 shirt is an honor and a responsibility. I hope it brings me a lot of luck.
• There is no harm in dreaming of becoming the world's best player. It is all about trying to be the best. I will keep working hard to achieve it but it is within my capabilities.
• I've never tried to hide the fact that it is my intention to be the best

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• Introduction

Early life and career in Brazil

European club play: psv eindhoven, fc barcelona, and inter milan, a world cup title and a move to real madrid, injuries and retirement.

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• Real Madrid - Ronaldo - Ronaldo Luis Nazario de Lima
• Ronaldo - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)
• Table Of Contents

Ronaldo (born September 18 or 22, 1976, Itaguai, Brazil) is a retired football (soccer) player who led Brazil to a World Cup title in 2002 and who won three Player of the Year awards (1996, 1997, and 2002) from the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA).

According to a FIFA tribute published in 2024:

Ronaldo was born in Itaguai, Rio de Janeiro on 18 September 1976, but his birth certificate was only issued four days later when his parents had scraped together enough money to pay for it. “The doctor delivered me for free because my parents couldn’t afford the birth,” Ronaldo explained. “Eventually, my father gathered three kilos of shrimp from the beach and gave it to the doctor as thanks. They also gave me the doctor’s name.”

The discrepancy between the date on Ronaldo’s birth certificate (September 22) and the date on which he says he was born (September 18)—the latter date supported by Ronaldo: The Journey of a Genius (2005), an enthusiastic biography by James Mosley, who claimed direct access to people around Ronaldo—has resulted in both dates being celebrated as his birthday on social media and elsewhere online by people, clubs, and organizations. Ronaldo himself has sent mixed signals. Among his former European clubs, three ( FC Barcelona , Inter Milan , and Real Madrid ) contend that he was born on September 22, 1976, while one ( AC Milan ) claims September 21.

Ronaldo grew up in the poor Rio de Janeiro suburb of Bento Ribeiro. He began playing football as a junior for the neighborhood Social Ramos Club at age 12 and two years later joined São Cristóvão in the Carioca League. By 1992 he was playing in the Brazilian championship for Cruzeiro.

Ronaldo was a member of Brazil ’s under-17 South American championship team in 1991 before joining the national side in 1994.

Ronaldo was transferred in 1994 from Cruzeiro to PSV Eindhoven of the Netherlands , where he scored 55 goals in 56 games and won the 1995 league championship and the 1996 Dutch Cup.

After switching to FC Barcelona of Spain for the 1996–97 season, he scored 34 goals in 37 appearances and helped his team capture the Spanish Super Cup.

Because of his success in Spain, Ronaldo was paid $27 million by Inter Milan to play for the Italian club in 1997, a record at the time. At Inter his excellent dribbling skills and knack for scoring goals earned him the nickname “Il Fenomeno.”

In 1997 Ronaldo became the first player to win FIFA’s Player of the Year award two years in a row. In 1999, however, he suffered a serious knee injury that left him unable to play for almost two years.

Dismissing concerns that his career was over, Ronaldo returned to competitive play in 2001. At the 2002 World Cup he was the tournament’s top scorer, with eight goals, and helped Brazil win its fifth World Cup championship.

He then announced that he was leaving Inter for Real Madrid of Spain. After much wrangling, Real agreed to pay a transfer fee of about $46.3 million. In 2002 Ronaldo was named both FIFA Player of the Year and European Footballer of the Year (an award he also had received in 1997).

At the 2006 World Cup he scored three goals to bring his career total at the tournament to a record-setting 15 (a mark that was broken in 2014 by Germany’s Miroslav Klose).

While playing for the Italian powerhouse AC Milan in 2008, Ronaldo ruptured a tendon in his left knee—the same type of injury that had occurred in his right knee in 1999—which some thought would put his career in jeopardy.

In December 2008 a fully recovered Ronaldo signed with Corinthians in São Paulo . However, he continued to be plagued by a number of other, less significant, leg injuries during his tenure with Corinthians as well as by a thyroid condition that caused him to gain weight, and he abruptly retired from the sport in February 2011.

In 2018 Ronaldo became the majority owner of the Spanish club Real Valladolid, and in 2021 he purchased a stake in Cruzeiro, where he had played early in his career. In 2024 he said that he would sell his holdings in both clubs.

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When CR7 Became A Coach and Portugal Won the Euro Against France

Cristiano Ronaldo as a coach? That’s what first came to mind when we saw him taking on that role during the Euro 2016 final.

The bench is an unusual place for the Portuguese star, but in those moments of pure adrenaline, he didn't stop giving instructions in the final minutes of the match against France, helping to organize and, most importantly, calm his teammates who were fighting for the title on French soil.

It was clear that Cristiano was extremely nervous at that moment, putting his hands on his head and repeatedly telling them not to take risks with the ball.

Fernando Santos had the help of his top player to secure what became Cristiano Ronaldo's first title with his national team, Portugal's first European Championship, after beating France on their home turf.

The big question is whether Cristiano Ronaldo took his first steps as a coach, and if this is the path he will take once he retires as a footballer.