Cristiano Ronaldo, born February 5, 1985, in Madeira, Portugal, is a forward and captain for Al-Nassr and Portugal. Nicknamed CR7, he is one of football’s greatest players, holding records for most UEFA Champions League goals (140), international goals (143), and over 950 career goals in 1,200+ appearances. He has won 5 Ballon d’Or, 4 European Golden Shoes, 5 Champions League titles, and league trophies in England, Spain, Italy, and Saudi Arabia. Ronaldo led Portugal to Euro 2016 and Nations League victories. Known for his “SIUUU” celebration, bicycle kicks, and hat-tricks, he evolved from a skillful winger to a prolific goalscorer. At 40, he remains elite, scoring 35 goals in 2024–25. A global icon, he earns $280 million yearly, with major Nike deals and the CR7 brand. His rivalry with Lionel Messi defined an era. Ronaldo’s work ethic, resilience after early heart surgery, and leadership continue to inspire.
Long Version
Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro (born 5 February 1985) is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays as a forward and captains both the Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr and the Portugal national team. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players in football history, Ronaldo, often nicknamed CR7, has revolutionized the sport with his exceptional goalscoring ability, athleticism, and leadership. He holds numerous records, including the most goals in the UEFA Champions League (140), the most international goals (143), and the all-time top scorer status with over 950 official senior career goals across more than 1,200 professional appearances. Ronaldo has won five Ballon d’Or awards, three UEFA Men’s Player of the Year honors (now The Best FIFA Men’s Player), and four European Golden Shoes. His trophy cabinet boasts 34 major honors, encompassing five UEFA Champions League titles, league championships in the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, and Saudi Pro League, as well as the UEFA European Championship and UEFA Nations League with Portugal. Beyond the pitch, Ronaldo is a global celebrity and athlete, boasting hundreds of millions of followers across various platforms, making him the highest-paid athlete in 2025 with earnings of $280 million. His signature “SIUUU” celebration, often following a hat-trick or bicycle kick, has become iconic in soccer culture.
Early Life
Born in Funchal, the capital of Madeira, Ronaldo grew up in the Santo António parish in a modest Catholic household. The youngest of four children, his parents were Maria Dolores dos Santos Viveiros Aveiro, a cook and cleaner, and José Dinis Aveiro, a municipal gardener and part-time kit man for local club Andorinha. Named after U.S. President Ronald Reagan, whom his father admired, Ronaldo faced early hardships, including his family’s poverty and his father’s alcoholism. His mother considered abortion due to financial strains but proceeded with the pregnancy. Ronaldo’s ancestry includes Cape Verdean roots through his paternal great-grandmother.
As a child, Ronaldo displayed hyperactivity and was expelled from school after throwing a chair at a teacher who allegedly disrespected him. He began playing football at age seven with Andorinha, where his father worked, before moving to Nacional and then trialing with Sporting CP at 12. Relocating to Lisbon in 1997, he left formal education after the sixth grade to focus on his career, despite initial struggles with schooling. At 15, he was diagnosed with tachycardia, a racing heart condition that required laser heart surgery to cauterize cardiac pathways; he recovered swiftly and resumed training. His early idols included Brazilian stars Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, inspiring his dedication to becoming a top goalscorer. This early medical intervention not only saved his budding career but also instilled a profound sense of resilience, which he credits for his relentless work ethic and mental toughness in high-pressure situations.
Club Career
Sporting CP
Ronaldo’s professional journey began at Sporting CP, where he progressed through the youth system. He debuted for the first team in 2002 at age 17, featuring in a UEFA Champions League qualifier against Inter Milan. In the 2002–03 Primeira Liga season, he made 25 appearances, scoring three goals and providing assists in key matches, including a brace against Moreirense. His performances, marked by skillful dribbling and forward prowess, attracted scouts from major clubs. A standout friendly against Manchester United in August 2003, where Sporting won 3–1, convinced Sir Alex Ferguson to sign him, praising Ronaldo as one of the most exciting young players he had seen. This match showcased his raw talent, blending speed, flair, and tactical awareness that would define his early style.
Manchester United (2003–2009)
Joining Manchester United for £12 million, Ronaldo inherited the iconic number 7 shirt, previously worn by legends like George Best and David Beckham. Under Ferguson’s mentorship—whom Ronaldo called his “father in sport”—he developed rapidly. In his debut season (2003–04), he scored four Premier League goals in 29 appearances and helped win the FA Cup, netting in the final against Millwall. Over six seasons, he amassed 118 goals in 292 matches, evolving from a flashy winger to a prolific forward. This period marked his physical transformation, adding muscle mass to enhance his aerial ability and endurance, allowing him to dominate matches consistently.
His breakthrough came in 2006–07, with 17 league goals contributing to the Premier League title. The following year, he scored 42 goals across all competitions, including eight in the Champions League, leading United to a double of the league and European crown. Ronaldo’s hat-trick against Newcastle United and a stunning 40-yard strike against Porto (winning the inaugural FIFA Puskás Award) highlighted his season. He claimed the 2008 Ballon d’Or, FIFA World Player of the Year, PFA Players’ Player of the Year, and FWA Footballer of the Year, becoming the first winger to win the European Golden Shoe with 31 league goals. In 2008–09, he added another Premier League title and reached the Champions League final, though United lost to Barcelona. These years solidified his reputation as a clutch performer, with his free-kick technique and penalty precision becoming hallmarks of his game.
Real Madrid (2009–2018)
Transferring to Real Madrid for a world-record £80 million, Ronaldo was unveiled to 80,000 fans at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. He scored 450 goals in 438 appearances, becoming the club’s all-time top scorer. In his debut season (2009–10), he netted 33 goals despite an ankle injury. Under José Mourinho, he won the 2010–11 Copa del Rey, scoring the winner in the El Clásico final, and claimed his first Pichichi Trophy with 40 La Liga goals. His adaptation to Spanish football involved refining his positioning to maximize goal opportunities, leading to unprecedented scoring rates.
Forming the “BBC” attacking trio with Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema, Ronaldo peaked in 2011–18, securing four Champions League titles (including La Décima in 2014), two La Liga crowns, and multiple Supercopa de España and UEFA Super Cup wins. He won four Ballons d’Or (2013, 2014, 2016, 2017), three more European Golden Shoes, and set records like 17 Champions League goals in 2013–14. Iconic moments included a bicycle kick against Juventus and hat-tricks in crucial matches. His 2017–18 campaign featured 44 goals, culminating in a third straight Champions League triumph. This era highlighted his leadership, often captaining the side in decisive games and mentoring younger players.
Juventus (2018–2021)
Ronaldo moved to Juventus for €100 million, aiming to conquer Serie A. He scored 101 goals in 134 appearances, winning two league titles (2018–19, 2019–20), the Supercoppa Italiana twice, and the Coppa Italia in 2020–21. His debut season yielded 28 goals, including six in the Champions League, though Juventus exited in the quarter-finals. In 2019–20, he netted 37 goals, securing another Scudetto. Despite personal accolades like the Serie A MVP, team success waned, leading to his departure. His time in Italy demonstrated his adaptability to a more defensive league, where he focused on clinical finishing amid tighter defenses.
Manchester United (Second Spell, 2021–2022)
Returning to Old Trafford, Ronaldo scored 24 goals in 2021–22, including six in the Champions League. However, tensions arose, culminating in a controversial interview and mutual contract termination in November 2022 after 27 goals in 54 matches. This brief return underscored his enduring scoring prowess but also highlighted challenges in integrating with evolving team dynamics.
Al-Nassr (2023–Present)
Signing with Al-Nassr in January 2023 for a reported €200 million annually, Ronaldo adapted to the Saudi Pro League. In 2022–23, he scored 14 league goals in 16 appearances. The 2023–24 season saw him net 35 goals in 31 matches, winning the league’s top scorer award and the Arab Club Champions Cup, where he scored six goals. In 2024–25, despite team struggles—including losses in the Saudi Super Cup, King’s Cup, and a second-place finish 14 points behind Al-Hilal—Ronaldo tallied 35 goals and several assists in 39 appearances. By October 2025, he reached 950 career goals, with 34 goals and 3 assists in 38 games for the season, maintaining his status as an elite goalscorer at age 40. As of November 1, 2025, he has 106 goals in 120 Al-Nassr appearances, captaining the team amid ongoing pursuits of the Saudi Super Cup and AFC Champions League. His move to Saudi Arabia has also elevated the league’s global profile, attracting other stars and increasing competitiveness.
International Career
Ronaldo debuted for Portugal in 2003, amassing a record 225 appearances and 143 goals. He starred in UEFA Euro 2004, scoring twice as Portugal reached the final. At the 2006 FIFA World Cup, he netted once, helping reach the semi-finals. Appointed captain in 2008, he led Portugal to Euro 2016 glory, despite injury in the final, and the 2019 UEFA Nations League title. In the 2018 World Cup, he scored a hat-trick against Spain. His 100th international goal came in 2020, surpassing Ali Daei’s record in 2021. At Euro 2024, Portugal exited in the quarter-finals. In 2025, Ronaldo contributed to another Nations League win, scoring in the semi-final and final. He holds records for most European Championship goals (14) and assists (8). His international tenure reflects tactical evolution, from youthful flair to veteran poise, often carrying the team in major tournaments.
Style of Play
Ronaldo’s versatility as a forward combines speed, power, and technical skill. Initially a winger known for step-overs and assists, he transitioned into a complete goalscorer, excelling in headers, free-kicks, and penalties. His athletic build enables bicycle kicks and long-range strikes, while his work rate and leadership as captain inspire teams. Critics note his evolution from showboating to efficiency, making him the ultimate all-time top scorer. At 40, he maintains peak physical condition through rigorous training, diet, and recovery routines, including cryotherapy and personalized nutrition plans.
Rivalry with Lionel Messi
Ronaldo’s career is intertwined with Lionel Messi’s, forming soccer’s greatest rivalry. Over 15 years, primarily at Real Madrid and Barcelona, they dominated awards, with Ronaldo’s five Ballons d’Or rivaling Messi’s eight. Their El Clásico clashes, like Ronaldo’s hat-tricks, fueled debates. In 2024–25, Ronaldo edged Messi in goals (35 to 33), maintaining the intrigue. This competition pushed both to new heights, redefining excellence in modern football.
Outside Football
Ronaldo’s personal life includes his Madeira birthplace, where a museum honors him. He has five children, including twins via surrogacy, and is in a long-term relationship with Georgina Rodríguez. Philanthropy efforts include donations for disaster relief and children’s hospitals. Early heart surgery for tachycardia shaped his resilience.
As a celebrity, Ronaldo’s endorsements with Nike, among others, and his CR7 brand generate millions. He tops highest-paid lists, with off-field earnings of $50 million in 2025. His dominance in endorsements amplifies his influence. Legal issues, including tax settlements, have been resolved. Additionally, Ronaldo has ventured into business with hotels, gyms, and fashion lines under the CR7 brand, diversifying his portfolio and securing his post-career legacy.
Career Statistics
As of November 1, 2025, Ronaldo’s stats include:
- Club: 950+ goals, 200+ assists in 1,200+ appearances.
- International: 143 goals, 42 assists in 225 matches.
- Total goals: 950 (club and country).
Detailed breakdowns available on various football statistic sites.
Honours
Ronaldo’s achievements include:
- Manchester United: 3 Premier League, 1 FA Cup, 2 League Cups, 1 Champions League, 1 FIFA Club World Cup.
- Real Madrid: 2 La Liga, 2 Copa del Rey, 2 Supercopa de España, 4 Champions League, 3 UEFA Super Cup, 3 FIFA Club World Cup.
- Juventus: 2 Serie A, 1 Coppa Italia, 2 Supercoppa Italiana.
- Al-Nassr: 1 Arab Club Champions Cup, Saudi Pro League top scorer.
- Portugal: 1 Euro, 1 Nations League.
- Individual: 5 Ballon d’Or, 5 The Best FIFA Men’s Player, 4 European Golden Shoes, multiple Pichichi Trophies, PFA awards.
His legacy as a record-breaking athlete endures, inspiring generations in football through his discipline, innovation, and global impact.
