Cristiano Ronaldo, the football sensation from Portugal, currently plays for Al-Nassr FC. Born on February 5, 1985, Ronaldo began his football career with Sporting CP in Portugal before making a name for himself at Manchester United in 2003. Here are some captivating details about the life and illustrious career of the Portuguese superstar!
1. The Ronald Reagan Connection:
Cristiano Ronaldo was named after Ronald Reagan, the 40th President of the United States. Reagan, prior to his political career, was a radio broadcaster and actor. Ronaldo’s mother was said to be a fan of the actor-turned-president. Interestingly, Ronaldo was born just a month after Reagan’s second presidential inauguration.
2. Ronaldo’s Father and His First Club:
Ronaldo’s father, Jose Dinis Aveiro, was a kit man at his son’s first club, Andorinha, where Ronaldo started playing football at the age of 8. It was here that Ronaldo showcased his talent and caught the eye of scouts from Sporting CP.
At the age of 12, Ronaldo left his hometown to join one of Portugal’s largest football academies, honing his skills to become a professional player.
3. Record-Breaking Transfer to Real Madrid:
In 2009, Ronaldo made a record-breaking transfer to Real Madrid for £80 million, the world’s highest transfer fee at the time. He spent 9 seasons at the club, cementing his place among football’s greatest players.
During his time at Real Madrid, Ronaldo won the Ballon d’Or award 4 times, clinched 4 UEFA Champions League titles, 2 La Liga titles, and numerous other accolades.
4. Leading Goal Scorer in International Football:
Cristiano Ronaldo holds the record for the most goals scored in international football, among active players. As of March 23, 2023, he has netted 120 goals for the Portuguese national team.
5. The Successful Entrepreneur:
Beyond his on-field success, Ronaldo is a thriving entrepreneur with his CR7 brand, including clothing, footwear, and fragrances. He also owns a hotel, a museum, and several restaurants in Madeira, Portugal.
6. The CR7 Museum:
The CR7 Museum is a tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo’s life and career, located in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal. It displays memorabilia and artifacts from Ronaldo’s personal life and career milestones. Visitors can explore his childhood, his remarkable achievements, and more.
7. The CR7 Galaxy:
In June 2015, scientists from the University of Lisbon discovered a new galaxy in the universe, named “Cosmos Redshift 7” or CR7. The name was inspired by Cristiano Ronaldo, whom the team greatly admired. CR7 is one of the brightest objects ever observed by humans and is part of an incredibly rare group.
8. The Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport:
The Madeira International Airport is also known as the Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport. This renaming took place in 2017 to honor Madeira’s native son, Cristiano Ronaldo, who is considered one of the greatest footballers in history. The airport serves as a vital hub connecting Madeira to destinations across Europe and the Atlantic.
9. Drake’s Reference to Ronaldo:
In 2018, Canadian singer Drake released the album “Scorpion,” featuring the song “Blue Tint,” which references the Portuguese superstar. The lyrics go: “I move like Cristiano, Ronaldo, but I never been in Madrid.”
10. The Impressive Car Collection:
Cristiano Ronaldo car collection
Like many football stars, Ronaldo has a profound passion for luxury cars. He owns a collection of 20 supercars, including the renowned Bugatti Chiron, Ferrari 599 GTO, and Rolls-Royce Phantom.
11. The First Winner of the Puskas Award:
The Puskas Award honors the player who scores the most beautiful goal in the world each year. Established in 2009, Cristiano Ronaldo was the first recipient. He was awarded for a stunning long-range strike against FC Porto during his time with Manchester United in the 2008/09 season.
12. Becoming an Academic Subject:
Due to his illustrious career, Cristiano Ronaldo has become a subject of study at the University of British Columbia Okanagan in Canada. Students in sociology can choose to research Ronaldo’s life and career as an academic pursuit.
13. A Player with a Golden Heart:
Off the field, Ronaldo is known for his philanthropy. In 2015, he founded the Cristiano Ronaldo Foundation to help underprivileged children. Ronaldo is also an ambassador for three major organizations: Save the Children, UNICEF, and World Vision, all focused on aiding and protecting children.
In 2023, CR7 donated a specially signed jersey to Turkish defender Merih Demiral to auction off and raise funds for earthquake victims. This jersey was part of Ronaldo’s special collection, showcasing his charitable heart.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s journey from a young boy in Madeira to a global football icon is nothing short of remarkable. His records, achievements, and impact both on and off the field have solidified his legacy as one of the greatest footballers of all time. As fans continue to marvel at his skills, Ronaldo’s story serves as an inspiration to aspiring footballers and enthusiasts worldwide.
