by Cristiano Ronaldo born in 1985 is a Portuguese footballer who plays for Real Madrid C.F. and the Portugal national football team. He is regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, both nationally and internationally, with his club having won La Liga twelve times, the UEFA Champions League four times, and the FIFA Club World Cup twice during his time with them. Winning twenty-five major trophies in all competitions makes him a winner you don’t want to miss.
About Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo is a Real Madrid footballer who has garnered a good following in his career as such. He began his career on boy’s teams before being picked up by the Sporting club in Lisbon. When he was on the training ground at the Sporting he gained attention and soon became a key player for them in whatever professional games they took part in. His professional career which started much later than most is what people remember him for.
Life of Ronaldo
His birth
Cristiano was born to Maria Dolores dos Santos Aveiro and José Dinis Aveiro in Funchal, Madeira on the 5th of February 1985. His father is a former footballer and the president of Funchal Football club while his mother is a secretary at the university they both attended. Ronaldo’s birth was planned, he was planned and all life details were much thought over by his parents.
His education
Cristiano started his education at school where he seemed to be interested only in football. His father knew that this was the sport that would give him a platform for a future career. But, this wasn’t easy for him as many schools did not want to admit Cristiano because of his footballing skills. He then studied at the Sporting Club from where he graduated in 2003 and played for them till 2007.
His personal life
Cristiano was well known for his numerous relationships both public and private life. This made him well famous in the footballing scene. He married his girlfriend Irina Shayk on the 27th of July 2008 and they have a son named Cristiano Ronaldo Jr.
His Career
Cristiano started off his professional career with the F.C. Porto in 2003. Here, he won the U-19 European Championship and the FIFA World Youth Championship in the year 2004 with his club. He then moved to Manchester United from 2003 to 2009 where he won many trophies including four Premier League titles and two FA Cups.
Club career
Cristiano Ronaldo’s career has seen him play for many clubs and this was because he was not offered a place in the Portugal senior national team. He moved to Real Madrid from 2009 to 2013 and won La Liga titles, Champions League trophies, and FIFA Club World Cup titles with them. He then moved to the Italian club Juventus from 2013 till the end of 2015. Here he won three Serie A titles which also included the Coppa Italia title with them. He then moved to the Spanish club Real Madrid once again in July 2015.
Thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo Real Madrid has won UEFA Champions League trophies, La Liga titles, and FIFA Club World Cup titles. From his first game till now, he has been the leading scorer of his club. In terms of his international career, he represents Portugal and has led them to win two major titles which include the European Championship title (Euro 2016) and the world cup (FIFA 2018).
International career
2001–2007: Youth level and early international career
Cristiano Ronaldo’s career on the international scene kicked off in 2004 when he was made captain of the U-20 national team. He then went on to play for Euro 2004 where they lost to Greece in the final clash. He was then a part of Euro 2008 where they suffered a loss to Germany once again but this time it was at the semi-final stage. Ronaldo led the team and scored two goals in the Euro 2012 which they lost in the semi-final.
2007–2012: Assuming the captaincy
Cristiano Ronaldo’s first major tournament with the Euro 2008 team was the World Cup 2010 where he played as a center-forward. Here, they suffered a loss to Spain in the quarter-finals stage. The following year, he led Portugal to their first major trophy win when they won the Euro 2012 title. This was his first major title as Portugal’s captain and was also their first win after making it to two semi-final stages in this competition.
2012–present: Leading his national team
Cristiano Ronaldo’s career with Portugal has seen him win many major titles and tournaments which include the FIFA U-20 World Cup title in the year 2007, Euro 2008, Euro 2012, Copa America 2015, and now (FIFA 2018). He was at his best performance in the year 2010 when he broke the all-time goals record for Portugal. He was then on 23 goals which is a record that still stands till now.
Player profile
Style of play
Cristiano relies on his physical strength and ball control skills. He is known as a stepover artist and registers many backheel goals in his name. He is also a threat to the opponent thanks to his speed and dribbling skills.
His playing ability
Cristiano has earned himself a place in the top 10 footballers of the all-time list and is well-loved by football fans worldwide. His intelligence, talent, skills, speed, and timing are the things that make him who he is today.
Goal celebrations
Cristiano Ronaldo is well-known for the goal celebrations that he performs after he scores a goal. His trademark celebration is the Ronaldo Loco gesture which he makes to celebrate his goals. He has also made another gesture that he calls the ‘Zig Zag’ celebration which features him putting his hands on the floor and doing a backspin while still on one hand.
Outside football
Cristiano Ronaldo has set up his own charity organization called the ‘CR7-Foundation’. This is a non-profit organization that gives back to society in many ways. It aims to help people lead a healthy active lifestyle while also providing educational opportunities to kids without any means or resources. The work of Cristiano can be see in the various social projects. They have undertaken in countries like Poland, Portugal, and India.
Awards and honor
Cristiano Ronaldo was reward with the FIFA World Player of the Year Award in 2008, 2013, 2014, and 2016. He is also a two-time winner of the Ballon d’Or. This makes him one of only three players that have ever won this four times and one of two players to win it five times.
