One of the greatest soccer players of all time and the hero of billions across the world, Cristiano Ronaldo was born on February 5, 1985, in Funchal, Portugal. He started his professional career when he was only 18 with Manchester United. Ronaldo has also played for international clubs Real Madrid and Juventus. He currently plays for the Saudi Arabian club, Al Nassr, and captains the team.
In July 2008, he became captain of the Portugal national soccer team and led the team from strength to strength. He’s a celebrated athlete today with a net worth of half a billion dollars, that makes him one of the richest sportspersons in the world.
A Life Of Many Challenges
Ronaldo’s life is peppered with many challenges, but he has risen above them to become an icon and an inspiration today. He was born and raised on the Portuguese island of Madeira on February 5, 1985, to Maria Dolores and Jose Aveiro. His parents had simple professions – his mother was a cook, and his father was a gardener and kit manager for the local club. He had a hard-knock life growing up. His mother considered aborting him due to poverty and his father’s alcoholism. While growing up, he had to share a room with his three siblings in their impoverished Catholic home.
Ronaldo played for Andorinha, the local team for which his father was a kit manager. However, when he turned 12 in 1997, he was signed by Sporting CP, a Portuguese soccer club, for about $1,645. When he turned 14, Ronaldo believed he could play professionally and convinced his mother to cease his education because he wanted to focus on the game. Ronaldo was diagnosed with tachycardia (a rapid heartbeat that may be irregular) during this early phase and underwent heart surgery. When he turned 16, he started playing in Sporting CP’s U-16 to U-18 teams, and in 2002 he debuted in the Primeira Liga. In 2003, his team defeated Manchester United, and Alex Ferguson, impressed by the youngster, was determined to sign him. By August 12, 2003, with a transfer fee of 12 million Euros, his move to Man U was complete. He made his debut for the club four days later on August 16, 2003.
In July 2008, he became captain of the Portugal national team and led them in four FIFA World Cups. After playing for Manchester United for six years, he signed with Real Madrid for about $88 million in 2009. Thereafter, he joined Juventus in 2018 for about $97 million. In August 2021, Ronaldo was back to Manchester United, however, he fell out with the management. He was quoted as saying he had no respect for Erik ten Hag, the club’s manager, and felt betrayed by the club. He ended his contract with the club in 2022. At the beginning of 2023, he signed a contract for a whopping $200 million a year for two years with the Saudi Arabian team, Al Nassr. Notably, he has been scoring phenomenally for his new club – 34 goals in 34 appearances as of December 2023.
Star Of Many Achievements
A revered name in the world of football (or soccer, if you prefer), Cristiano Ronaldo’s unmatched talent, passion for the sport, and endearing personality, have made him a favourite of countless fans around the globe.
Ronaldo’s strides are commendable, and he’s achieved global success in his career. He can play on either wing as a versatile attacker, and watching him on the pitch is always an unforgettable experience.
Ronaldo has an impressive list of achievements in the sport – five Ballon d’Or, La Liga titles, Player of the Year, and an extensive list of accolades that are too many to even list.
Ronald’s girlfriend and partner, Georgina Rodriguez, and his children are extremely close to his heart. He has five children, one of whom is Rodriguez’s. He announced they were expecting his second pair of twins in 2022. Unfortunately, the male twin died during childbirth.
Happy Birthday to “El Commandante” from Kolkatatoday.com!
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