Cristiano Ronaldo(1985 — ?)
Cristiano Ronaldo
Portugal
4 min read
Cristiano Ronaldo is a Portuguese footballer born in 1985, regarded as one of the greatest players in history. A prolific goal scorer, he has won five Ballon d'Or awards and shone at the biggest European clubs as well as with the Portugal national team.
Frequently asked questions
Key Facts
- Born on February 5, 1985 in Funchal, on the island of Madeira (Portugal)
- Won the Champions League with Manchester United in 2008, then four times with Real Madrid (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018)
- Winner of five Ballon d'Or awards (2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017)
- Won the European Football Championship (Euro) with Portugal in 2016
- Became one of the greatest goal scorers in football history and the all-time top scorer in international play
Works & Achievements
First major continental victory, marking his breakthrough as a global star.
First individual honour, which launched his rivalry with Messi.
Real Madrid's tenth European title, in which Ronaldo played a decisive role.
Portugal's first major international title, despite his injury in the final.
A historic run of European titles driven by his goals.
Becomes the all-time top scorer in men's international football.
Second international trophy won with Portugal on home soil.
Anecdotes
A poor child from the island of Madeira, Cristiano Ronaldo had heart surgery at 15 to treat tachycardia (a heartbeat that was too fast). The laser operation lasted a few hours and he was back in training a few days later.
His first name “Ronaldo” was given to him in honor of Ronald Reagan, then president of the United States, whom his father admired—not for his politics but as an actor.
During the Euro 2016 final, Ronaldo injured his knee in the 25th minute and left the field in tears on a stretcher. He returned near the bench and encouraged his teammates like a coach; Portugal won 1-0 against France.
In 2018, during a Champions League quarter-final, he scored a spectacular acrobatic bicycle kick against Juventus (while he was playing for Real Madrid); the opposing fans stood up to applaud him.
Ronaldo is one of the first footballers to become a true global brand thanks to social media, becoming the most-followed person in the world on Instagram, surpassing hundreds of millions of followers.
Primary Sources
This is an incredible moment in my career. I want to thank my teammates and my club. Working hard has always been my philosophy.
I am very happy, it's one of the most beautiful moments of my career. Winning a trophy with my country was my dream.
Talent without hard work is nothing. I have always wanted to be the best, and to do that you have to train more than the others.
Key Places
Ronaldo's birthplace on the island of Madeira, where he grew up in modest surroundings.
Manchester United's stadium where Ronaldo broke through at the highest European level.
Real Madrid's stadium where Ronaldo became the club's all-time leading goalscorer.
Site of the Euro 2016 final won by Portugal against France.
The Portuguese capital where Ronaldo made his professional debut at Sporting's youth academy.
