Cristiano Ronaldo(1985 — ?)

Cristiano Ronaldo

Portugal

4 min read

Sports21st CenturyEarly 21st century, the golden age of globalized and media-driven football, marked by the sporting rivalry with Lionel Messi.

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

Cristiano Ronaldo is a Portuguese footballer born in 1985 in Funchal, on the island of Madeira. What you need to remember is that he is considered one of the greatest players in history, notably thanks to his five Ballon d'Or awards and his many club titles, such as the Champions League trophies with Manchester United and Real Madrid. His longevity at the highest level and his rivalry with Lionel Messi defined the golden age of globalized football in the early 21st century.

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

Champions League with Manchester United (2008)

First major continental victory, marking his breakthrough as a global star.

First Ballon d'Or (2008)

First individual honour, which launched his rivalry with Messi.

"La Décima", Real Madrid's Champions League title (2014)

Real Madrid's tenth European title, in which Ronaldo played a decisive role.

Euro 2016 with Portugal (2016)

Portugal's first major international title, despite his injury in the final.

Four Champions League titles with Real Madrid (2014-2018)

A historic run of European titles driven by his goals.

International goalscoring record (2021)

Becomes the all-time top scorer in men's international football.

2019 Nations League (2019)

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

Cristiano Ronaldo's speech at his first Ballon d'Or ceremony (2008)
This is an incredible moment in my career. I want to thank my teammates and my club. Working hard has always been my philosophy.
Press conference after Euro 2016 (Portugal champions) (10 July 2016)
I am very happy, it's one of the most beautiful moments of my career. Winning a trophy with my country was my dream.
Ronaldo's statement on his work ethic (interview) (2014)
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

Funchal, Madeira (Portugal)

Ronaldo's birthplace on the island of Madeira, where he grew up in modest surroundings.

Old Trafford, Manchester (England)

Manchester United's stadium where Ronaldo broke through at the highest European level.

Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid (Spain)

Real Madrid's stadium where Ronaldo became the club's all-time leading goalscorer.

Stade de France, Saint-Denis

Site of the Euro 2016 final won by Portugal against France.

Lisbon (Sporting Portugal)

The Portuguese capital where Ronaldo made his professional debut at Sporting's youth academy.

See also