Who is Cristiano Ronaldo? Bio & 10 Fun Facts About CR7

1 year ago

Alongside Neymar and Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the two most famous players in the football world. From a poor boy mocked and ridiculed by his peers, CR7 has risen above his circumstances to become a legend of world football and a wealth behemoth that many dreams of. In this article, we will explore who is Cristiano Ronaldo, his background, and all the intriguing facts surrounding him.

Who is Cristiano Ronaldo?

• Full name: Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro
• Nickname: CR7
• Date of birth: February 5., 1985
• Place of birth: Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
• Age: 38 (as of 2023)
• Height: 6 feet 2 inches (1.87 meters)
• Position: Forward
• Club(s): Sporting Lisbon, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, Al Nassr

For avid football fans, the name Cristiano Ronaldo, also known as CR7, is not an unfamiliar name. He is a professional Portuguese football player who currently plays as a forward for the Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr and captains the national team of Portugal.

Unfortunate childhood

Behind Cristiano Ronaldo's confident and successful persona lies a story of resilience and overcoming adversity. Born into a poor family in Madeira, Portugal, Ronaldo faced numerous challenges from a young age.

Despite the dilapidated house and financial hardships, his mother, Dolores Aveiro, chose to keep him. Inspired by former U.S. President Ronald Reagan, he named him Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro, hoping he would grow up to be extraordinary.

Ronaldo's love for football was evident even in his early years, with the ball always at his feet. Joining Andorinha football club at 8 years old, he faced teasing from teammates due to his father's occupation as a janitor.

At 15, a diagnosis of a rapid heartbeat condition threatened his football career, but his determination remained unyielding. These experiences shaped Ronaldo's resilient character, propelling him toward future success.

Football career

Cristiano Ronaldo's football career has been nothing short of extraordinary. He began his professional journey at Sporting Lisbon in 2002, showcasing his immense talent and catching the attention of scouts worldwide. Here are some notable events in CR7's career:

2003-2009: Manchester United

In 2003, Cristiano Ronaldo's career took a significant turn as he left Sporting CP in Portugal to join Manchester United. This move proved pivotal, propelling him into the global spotlight. His monthly salary soared from €2,000 to an impressive €150,000, reflecting his growing potential and talent.

2009-2018: Real Madrid

Continuing his upward trajectory, Ronaldo secured the title of the most expensive transfer in history in 2009 when he made a switch to Real Madrid for a staggering fee of €94 million. This record-breaking move solidified his superstar status and opened a new chapter in his career. At Real Madrid, Ronaldo's performance reached astonishing heights, cementing his reputation as one of the greatest players of his generation.

2018-2021: Juventus

In 2018, Ronaldo embarked on another remarkable journey as he joined Juventus. His arrival not only revitalized the Italian club but also elevated Serie A as one of the most prestigious leagues globally. During his three-year tenure, Ronaldo showcased his exceptional skill and determination, leaving an indelible impact on both Juventus and Italian football as a whole.

2021-2022: Return to Manchester United

In a highly anticipated return, Ronaldo came back to Manchester United in 2021. His reunion with the club where he first gained international recognition brought immense excitement to fans worldwide. Ronaldo's contributions were immediate and impactful, with 19 goals in 40 appearances. However, his time at Manchester United concluded in 2022, leading to speculation about his next move.

2023 - now: Al Nassr

In early 2023, it was officially announced that Ronaldo had signed a lucrative contract with Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, reportedly earning an astonishing €200 million per year. This groundbreaking salary further solidified his status as a football icon, setting a new milestone in the history of the sport.

Achievements

Cristiano Ronaldo is widely regarded as the best player in the world and one of the greatest footballers of all time. His remarkable career has been decorated with numerous accolades and records. He has been awarded the prestigious Ballon d'Or five times, solidifying his status as an exceptional talent. Additionally, Ronaldo has won the European Golden Shoe four times, a testament to his goal-scoring prowess.

Over the course of his illustrious career, Ronaldo has amassed an impressive collection of 32 titles. These include seven domestic league championships, five UEFA Champions League titles, one UEFA European Championship with the Portuguese national team, and one UEFA Nations League triumph.

Ronaldo's impact extends beyond trophies, as he holds a plethora of records. He holds the record for the most international appearances by a male European player, showcasing his longevity and commitment to his national team.

Moreover, he holds the records for the most international goals scored, as well as the most appearances, goals, and assists in the UEFA Champions League. His remarkable consistency and prolific scoring ability have also seen him surpass milestones such as over 1,100 appearances and more than 800 goals across his club and national team career.

Net worth

As of early 2023, Ronaldo's net worth is reported to be $500 million. Apart from his staggering contract with Al Nassr, CR7 also earns significant income from business ventures and brand endorsements. He serves as a brand ambassador for major companies worldwide, with Nike being one of the prominent sponsors, paying him over €24 million per year. Additionally, he represents other brands such as Castrol, Samsung, and KFC.

Another source of income for Ronaldo is his social media presence. His Instagram account has reached 564 million followers, and he has approximately 162 million followers on Facebook. This has made Ronaldo the most influential player in the world.

Off the football pitch, Ronaldo owns a hotel empire through the Pestana CR7 Group, with hotels in various cities including Madeira, Lisbon, Madrid, New York, Marrakech, and Paris. He also owns a substantial real estate portfolio across Europe and possesses a private jet named Gulfstream G200, valued at $27 million.

The Portuguese superstar is also the proud owner of a collection of expensive supercars and a luxurious yacht worth tens of millions of dollars.

Legacy and impact

Cristiano Ronaldo's impact on football is unparalleled. His extraordinary goal-scoring prowess, unwavering winning mentality, and exemplary leadership have set new standards in the sport.

Off the pitch, Ronaldo's global brand and inspiring journey from humble beginnings to global stardom have made him a cultural icon and a role model for aspiring footballers worldwide. His legacy will continue to shape the game for years to come, reminding us of the power of talent, hard work, and determination in achieving greatness.

7 interesting facts about Cristiano Ronaldo

1/ Ronaldo is often referred to as a superhuman or superathlete

Cristiano Ronaldo possesses extraordinary physical attributes that contribute to his remarkable performance on the football field. With approximately 50% of his body consisting of muscle and a mere 7% body fat, his physique is comparable to that of a professional supermodel, whose average body fat percentage is around 13.8%.

It can be said that this exceptional physical condition has allowed Ronaldo, even at the age of 38, to outshine many retired players and continue competing at the highest level. In fact, his fitness levels have been assessed to be akin to those of an 18-year-old, highlighting his dedication to maintaining optimal physicality throughout his career.

2/ He even jumps higher than top NBA basketball player

Ronaldo is famous for his incredible leaping ability. When standing still, he can reach heights of 228 cm (7 feet 6 inches), and with a running start, this height increases to an impressive 263 cm (8 feet 7 inches).

Notably, his jumping prowess exceeds the highest vertical jumps recorded by elite NBA basketball players. To put it into perspective, Ronaldo's leap is five times stronger than that of a wild leopard during its hunting pursuits. This exceptional attribute adds another dimension to his gameplay, allowing him to dominate in aerial duels and execute incredible acrobatic maneuvers on the football pitch.

3/ Ronaldo is one of the fastest players in the world

During his prime, Ronaldo was recorded running at a speed of approximately 33.6 km/h, which is faster than a professional sprinter's average speed.

Additionally, his free-kick shots can reach speeds of up to 131 km/h, comparable to the speed of a space shuttle.

4/ He is the most charitable athlete in the world

Cristiano Ronaldo's impact extends far beyond the football field, as he is widely recognized as a compassionate philanthropist. Remarkably, he abstains from getting tattoos to ensure his eligibility for regular blood donations, highlighting his commitment to helping others.

Off the field, Ronaldo actively engages in projects aimed at assisting children battling debilitating illnesses. His generosity knows no bounds, as evidenced by his substantial donations. He contributed $74,000 towards the brain surgery of a 10-year-old child, donated $150,000 to Portugal's cancer charity fund in 2016, and even allocated his €600,000 Champions League bonus to a non-governmental organization.

In addition to his contributions towards children's organizations, Ronaldo lends support to initiatives aiding flood victims in his hometown of Madeira and has financed the construction of a hospital in Santiago, Chile.

After years of tireless donations and countless contributions to charitable foundations worldwide, Ronaldo's philanthropic endeavors have earned him recognition as the top athlete in the world in terms of philanthropy, surpassing renowned figures like John Cena and tennis star Serena Williams. His commitment to making a positive impact on society further solidifies his status as not only a talented football player but also a respected humanitarian.

5/ He once donated bone marrow to save the son of his former teammate

Ronaldo's compassion and willingness to make a difference were exemplified when he donated bone marrow to the son of Carlos Martin, who was battling leukemia. The young boy was in dire need of a donor and lacked the necessary funds for the crucial surgery. Ronaldo, alongside his teammates, rallied to support Carlos and his son during this challenging time.

Sharing his act of kindness, Ronaldo humbly stated, "He told us about his son's illness, and we all showed solidarity by helping him and his son. I donated my bone marrow."

6/ Ronaldo was once expelled from school

During his school days, Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese midfielder, faced difficulties and even experienced expulsion. Ronaldo's struggles with concentrating and his disinterest in studies often drew attention, leading to incidents that had repercussions.

At the age of 14, Ronaldo was expelled from school, but the cause was not mere laziness. It was reported that he threw a chair at a teacher. CR7 stated that his actions were provoked by the teacher's lack of respect and criticism of his family's poverty.

7/ Ronaldo is devoted to his family

Cristiano Ronaldo's determination to alleviate the past hardships endured by his family and loved ones knows no bounds. In a gesture of immense gratitude and support, he purchased a magnificent castle on the Madeira Islands for his biological mother, Dolores, who courageously battled aggressive breast cancer with Ronaldo's unwavering financial and emotional assistance.

Furthermore, Ronaldo has dedicated years and resources towards aiding his older brother, Hugo, in overcoming drug addiction and transforming his life. Through Ronaldo's guidance, Hugo has embarked on a new path and now owns a successful painting company with a workforce of 15 employees.

Displaying his commitment to his hometown, Ronaldo established a shop named CR7, expertly managed by his older sister, Katia. In a testament to his boundless support for aspiring talents, Ronaldo even collaborated with renowned singer Lady Gaga as a producer, investing a substantial sum to help her realize her dream of becoming a pop sensation. Katia, now performing under the stage name Ronalda, has made a name for herself in the music industry, actively pursuing her passion.

Conclusion

So, we have explored together who is Cristiano Ronaldo, his life, career, and interesting facts about this Portuguese football legend. Which fact do you find most intriguing about this individual? Please leave a comment to share and express your thoughts with ANZ Football and also follow us for the latest updates.