Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro (born 5 February 1985) is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays as a forward for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League and captains the Portugal national team. Widely known as CR7, he is regarded as one of the greatest footballers in history, holding numerous scoring records and winning multiple individual and team honors.
Infobox
| Full Name | Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 5 February 1985 |
| Place of Birth | Funchal, Madeira, Portugal |
| Height | 1.87 m (6 ft 2 in) |
| Position | Forward |
| Current Club | Al-Nassr |
| Jersey Number | 7 |
| Youth Career | Andorinha, Nacional, Sporting CP |
| Senior Career | Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, Al-Nassr |
| National Team | Portugal (Captain) |
Early Life
Cristiano Ronaldo was born on the island of Madeira into a modest family. The youngest of four children, he grew up in a tight-knit home where football quickly became his passion. His father worked as a municipal gardener and his mother as a cook. Ronaldo left home at age 12 to join Sporting CP’s academy in Lisbon, setting the stage for a legendary career.
Club Career
Sporting CP (2002–2003)
Ronaldo’s professional debut came at Sporting CP, where his talent stood out in Portugal’s top league. His dribbling and pace caught the attention of international scouts.
Manchester United (2003–2009)
Signed in 2003 for £12.24 million, Ronaldo developed under Sir Alex Ferguson, helping United win three consecutive Premier League titles, the 2008 UEFA Champions League, and the FIFA Club World Cup. He won his first Ballon d’Or in 2008.
Real Madrid (2009–2018)
In 2009, Ronaldo joined Real Madrid for a then-record €94 million fee. He scored 450 goals in 438 appearances, won four Champions League titles, two La Liga championships, and claimed four more Ballon d’Or awards.
Juventus (2018–2021)
At Juventus, Ronaldo won two Serie A titles and became the fastest player in the club’s history to score 100 goals.
Return to Manchester United (2021–2022)
Ronaldo returned to Old Trafford, scoring frequently but facing mixed results before parting ways in late 2022.
Al-Nassr (2023–Present)
In January 2023, Ronaldo signed for Al-Nassr, becoming the highest-paid athlete in the world. He continues to set scoring records and remains a global football ambassador.
International Career
Ronaldo debuted for Portugal in 2003. As captain since 2008, he led Portugal to victory at Euro 2016 and the 2019 UEFA Nations League. He holds the record for most goals in men’s international football.
Playing Style
Originally a skillful winger with dazzling dribbles, Ronaldo evolved into a complete forward with exceptional finishing, heading ability, and positional awareness. His work ethic, physical fitness, and adaptability are unmatched.
Career Achievements
Team Honors
- UEFA Champions League: 5 titles
- League Titles: Premier League (3), La Liga (2), Serie A (2)
- International: Euro 2016, UEFA Nations League 2019
Individual Awards
- Ballon d’Or: 5
- European Golden Shoe: 4
- UEFA Champions League Top Scorer: 7 seasons
- Numerous Player of the Year awards
Legacy & Off the Field
Beyond football, Ronaldo has built the CR7 brand, which includes fashion lines, fragrances, hotels, and gyms. He is an active philanthropist, donating millions to children’s hospitals, disaster relief, and humanitarian causes. His social media following exceeds half a billion, making him one of the most influential athletes in history.
Career Statistics (as of 2025)
| Team | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Sporting CP | 31 | 5 |
| Manchester United | 346 | 145 |
| Real Madrid | 438 | 450 |
| Juventus | 134 | 101 |
| Al-Nassr | 90+ | 90+ |
| Portugal | 205 | 130+ |
Summary
Cristiano Ronaldo’s career is a story of unmatched dedication, global influence, and footballing excellence. His records, titles, and impact both on and off the pitch ensure his place among the greatest athletes of all time.
Photo By Omar Ramadan