Christiano Ronaldo | Biography, Records and Facts

Cristiano Ronaldo, born on February 5, 1985, in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal, is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time. His journey to greatness began in his hometown, where he played for local clubs such as Andorinha and Nacional before moving to Sporting CP at the age of 12. After joining Sporting’s academy, Ronaldo made his senior debut at just 16 years old, quickly showing his immense potential. Ronaldo’s professional career skyrocketed when he joined Manchester United in 2003 at 18 for £12.24 million, a record for a teenager at the time. Under the guidance of Sir Alex Ferguson, Ronaldo evolved from a skilled winger to one of the world’s most lethal forwards. During his six years at United (2003–2009), he won numerous titles, including three Premier League titles, an FA Cup, and the prestigious UEFA Champions League. His outstanding performances earned him his first Ballon d’Or in 2008  . In 2009, Ronaldo made a world-record move to Real Madrid for €94 million, where he spent the next nine years establishing himself as one of the most prolific goal-scorers in football history. His time at Madrid was marked by remarkable achievements: he scored 451 goals in 438 appearances, led the club to four Champions League titles, and won four more Ballon d’Or awards  . His rivalry with Lionel Messi, which dominated football for over a decade, further fueled his legendary status. Ronaldo’s career continued at Juventus, where he joined in 2018 for €100 million. At Juventus, he won multiple Serie A titles and became the club’s star player, although Champions League glory eluded him. In 2021, Ronaldo returned to Manchester United for a second stint but later moved to Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia in 2023, where he continues to make a significant impact on and off the pitch  . On the international stage, Ronaldo has been equally exceptional, breaking numerous records with Portugal. He became Portugal’s all-time top scorer and helped lead his national team to victory in the 2016 UEFA European Championship and the 2019 UEFA Nations League . Beyond his footballing success, Ronaldo has built a global brand, including his CR7 fashion and fragrance lines, and is known for his charitable work . With five Ballon d’Or awards, numerous Champions League trophies, and over 900 career goals, Ronaldo’s legacy in football is cemented, and his influence extends far beyond the pitch  .