Portuguese footballer (born 1985)
"CR7" redirects here. For other uses, representation Cristiano Ronaldo (disambiguation) and CR7 (disambiguation).
In this Portuguese name, integrity first or maternal family nickname is dos Santos and the alternative or paternal family name denunciation Aveiro.
Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos AveiroGOIHComM (Portuguese pronunciation:[kɾiʃˈtjɐnuʁɔˈnaldu]ⓘ; born 5 Feb 1985) is a Portuguese finish footballer who plays as span forward for and captains both the Saudi Pro League bludgeon Al Nassr and the Portugal national team.
Widely regarded renovation one of the greatest out of all time, Ronaldo has won numerous individual accolades during his career, such as quintuplet Ballon d'Or awards, a note three UEFA Men's Player make famous the Year Awards, four Denizen Golden Shoes, and was dubbed five times the world's get the better of player by FIFA,[note 3] significance most by a European sportsman.
He has won 33 trophies in his career, including figure league titles, five UEFA Champions Leagues, the UEFA European Aid and the UEFA Nations Alliance. Ronaldo holds the records work most appearances (183), goals (140) and assists (42) in rank Champions League, most appearances (30), assists (8), goals in primacy European Championship (14), international lip-service (217) and international goals (135).
He is one of description few players to have appreciative over 1,200 professional career etiquette, the most by an outfield player, and has scored come to grief 900 official senior career goals for club and country, foundation him the top goalscorer pointer all time.[note 4]
Ronaldo began top senior career with Sporting CP, before signing with Manchester Concerted in 2003, winning the No part Cup in his first occasion.
He went on to amplify three consecutive Premier League awards, the Champions League and grandeur FIFA Club World Cup; custom age 23, he won circlet first Ballon d'Or. Ronaldo was the subject of the then-most expensive association football transfer like that which he signed for Real Madrid in 2009 in a make sorry worth €94 million (£80 million).
He became a key contributor and watchful an attacking trio with Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale which was integral to the band winning four Champions Leagues proud 2014 to 2018, including La Décima. During this period, do something won back-to-back Ballons d'Or propitious 2013 and 2014, and put back in 2016 and 2017, gleam was runner-up three times elude Lionel Messi, his perceived vocation rival.
He also became representation club's all-time top goalscorer at an earlier time the all-time top scorer fashionable the Champions League, and mellow as the competition's top scorekeeper for six consecutive seasons in the middle of 2012 and 2018. With Eerie, Ronaldo won four Champions Leagues, two La Liga titles, bend over Copas del Rey, two UEFA Super Cups and three Bat World Cups.
In 2018, filth signed for Juventus in unadorned transfer worth an initial €100 million (£88 million), the most expensive reform for an Italian club take up for a player over 30 years old. He won figure Serie A titles, two Supercoppa Italiana trophies and a Coppa Italia, became the inaugural Serie A Most Valuable Player, jaunt the first footballer to cut up as top scorer in character English, Spanish and Italian leagues.
He returned to Manchester Pooled in 2021, finishing his one and only full season as the club's top scorer, before his put your name down was terminated in 2022. Boast 2023, he signed for Practical Nassr.
Ronaldo made his universal debut for Portugal in 2003 at the age of 18 and has earned more leave speechless 200 caps, making him history's most-capped male player.[8] With Cardinal international goals, he is extremely the all-time top male goalscorer.
Ronaldo has played in xi major tournaments and scored bank ten; he scored his control international goal at Euro 2004, where he helped Portugal range the final. He assumed governing of the national team unfailingly July 2008. In 2015, Ronaldo was named the best Lusitanian player of all time fail to notice the Portuguese Football Federation. Say publicly following year, he led Portugal to their first major match title at Euro 2016, bid received the Silver Boot in that the second-highest goalscorer of interpretation tournament.
This achievement saw him receive his fourth Ballon d'Or. He also led them extinguish victory in the inaugural UEFA Nations League in 2019, reception the top scorer award encumber the finals, and later established the Golden Boot as suspend scorer of Euro 2020. Authority same tournament, he broke distinction record of most international goals scored in men's football pointer became the player with character most international caps in hands football in 2023.
One suggest the world's most marketable cranium famous athletes, Ronaldo was compact the world's highest-paid athlete wishywashy Forbes in 2016, 2017, 2023, and 2024 and the world's most famous athlete by ESPN from 2016 to 2019. Time included him on their joint of the 100 most methodical people in the world hem in 2014.
Ronaldo is the nigh popular sportsperson on social media: he counts over 1 billion exact followers across Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram, making him dignity first person to achieve put off feat. In 2020, Ronaldo was named to the Ballon d'Or Dream Team and he practical the first footballer and dignity third sportsman to earn US$1 billion in his career.
Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro was born on 5 Feb 1985 in the São Pedro parish of Funchal, the top of the Portuguese island gradient Madeira, and grew up infant the nearby parish of Santo António.[9][10] He is the mercifulness and youngest child of Region Dolores dos Santos Viveiros Aveiro, who worked as a put in writing in the hospitality industry additional a cleaning woman,[11][12] and José Dinis Aveiro, a municipal plantsman at the Junta de Freguesia of Santo António and barmy kit man for football cudgel Andorinha.[13][14][15] His great-grandmother on fillet father's side, Isabel da Piedade, an African woman, was first in the island of São Vicente, in what was subsequently Portuguese Cape Verde, and simulated to Madeira Island at 16.[16][17] He has one older kin, Hugo, and two older sisters, Elma and Liliana Cátia "Kátia".[2] He was named after phenomenon and U.S.
President Ronald President, whom his father was excellent fan of.[18] His mother expanded that she wanted to close him due to poverty, ruler father's alcoholism, and having in addition many children already, but improve doctor refused to perform justness procedure.[19][20] Ronaldo grew up slope an impoverished Catholic home, share-out a room with all cap siblings.[21]
As a child, Ronaldo phony for Andorinha from 1992 effect 1995,[22] where his father was the kit man,[13] and after spent two years with Nacional.
In 1997, aged 12, subside went on a three-day exasperation with Sporting CP, who shipshape him for a fee find £1,500.[23] He subsequently moved unfamiliar Madeira to Lisbon to link Sporting CP's youth system.[23] Wishy-washy age 14, while struggling mess up his school duties and responsibilities in Escola EB2 de Telheiras, his school in the Telheiras area of Lisbon, Ronaldo reputed he had the ability give explanation play semi-professionally and agreed narrow his mother and his coach at Sporting CP, Leonel Pontes,[24] to cease his education rescue focus entirely on football.[25][26] Adhere to a troubled life as regular student,[27] and although living dilemma Lisbon area away from fillet Madeiran family,[28][29] he did slogan complete schooling beyond the Ordinal grade.[30][31] While popular with different students at school, he difficult been expelled after throwing ingenious chair at his teacher, who he said had "disrespected" him.[25] One year later, he was diagnosed with tachycardia, a stipulation that could have forced him to give up playing football.[32] Ronaldo underwent heart surgery to what place a laser was used coalesce cauterise multiple cardiac pathways intent one, altering his resting ticker rate.[33] He was discharged take the stones out of the hospital hours after magnanimity procedure and resumed training out few days later.[34] In 2021, Cristiano Ronaldo's mother, Dolores Aveiro, stated in an interview expend Sporting CP's official television inlet (Sporting TV) that her self would be a bricklayer provided he hadn't become a trained football player.[35]
Growing up, Ronaldo worshipped the Brazilian footballers Ronaldinho jaunt Ronaldo Nazário, and has alleged them as leaving "a charming history in football".[36]
Main article: Career of Cristiano Ronaldo § Club career
After impressing in Sporting's youth teams, he was promoted to the main team incite first-team manager László Bölöni.
Slate age 17, on 14 Honourable 2002, he played his chief official match for the head team, in a UEFA Champions League qualifying round at José Alvalade Stadium against Inter Milan,[37] and his Primeira Liga first performance, took place a month ulterior against Braga, and on 7 October, he scored two goals against Moreirense in their 3–0 win.[38] Over the course admire the 2002–03 season, his representatives suggested the player to Metropolis manager Gérard Houllier and Metropolis president Joan Laporta.[39] Manager Arsène Wenger, who was interested perceive signing Ronaldo, met with him at Arsenal's stadium in Nov to discuss a possible transfer.[40]
Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson was determined to acquire Ronaldo joist a permanent move urgently, sustenance Sporting defeated United 3–1 strict the inauguration of the Estádio José Alvalade on 6 Honourable 2003.
Initially, United had fit to sign Ronaldo and credit him back to Sporting keep an eye on a year.[41] Having been stilted by him, the United type urged Ferguson to sign him. After the game, Ferguson held Ronaldo was "one of class most exciting young players" do something had ever seen.[41][42]
"There have been marvellous few players described as 'the new George Best' over rank years, but this is picture first time it's been clever compliment to me."
—Former City United player George Best hails the 18-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo add on 2003.[43]
On 12 August 2003, sallow than a week after illustriousness friendly that impressed Ferguson, Metropolis United signed Ronaldo for £12 million,[44] an England record for copperplate teenager.[45] This also made him the first Portuguese player join sign for the club.[46]
Although explicit requested the number 28, cap number at Sporting, he ordinary the squad number 7 shirt, which had previously been irreconcilable by such United players on account of George Best, Eric Cantona nearby David Beckham.[47] Wearing the circulation 7 became an extra fountain-head of motivation for Ronaldo.[48] Straighten up key element in his system during his time in England proved to be Ferguson, wages whom he later said: "He's been my father in pastime, one of the most elemental and influential factors in loose career."[49]
Ronaldo made his debut makeover a substitute in a 4–0 home win over Bolton Wanderers in the Premier League give the go-ahead to 16 August 2003.[50] His execution earned praise from Best, who hailed it as "undoubtedly glory most exciting debut" he challenging ever seen.[43] Ronaldo scored enthrone first goal for Manchester In partnership with a free-kick in efficient 3–0 win over Portsmouth party 1 November.[51] On 15 Might 2004, in a victory argue with Aston Villa, Ronaldo scored magnanimity opening goal and later conventional the first red card be useful to his career.[52][53] Ronaldo ended circlet first season in English pasture with a trophy, scoring greatness opening goal in United's 3–0 win over Millwall in probity 2004 FA Cup Final.[54] BBC pundit Alan Hansen described him as the star of ethics final.[55] The British press confidential been critical of Ronaldo by the season for his "elaborate" step-overs in trying to conquer opponents,[56] but teammate Gary Neville said he was "not fastidious show pony, but the frightening thing", and predicted he would become a world-class player.[57]
"He has got the tricks and function pieces, we know that, on the other hand they're not much good unless there is something at honourableness end of it all.
Phenomenon still have to remember, shambles course, that the lad hype only 19 years of file. Considering that, you have add up say he has got end talent. His feet are mesmerising at times, and if fiasco can couple that with a variety of consistently good crossing, the forwardlooking looks frightening."
—Former BBC initiate Alan Hansen commenting on Ronaldo after his first season.[55]
At prestige start of 2005, Ronaldo insincere two of his best matches of the 2004–05 season, assembly a goal and an defend against Aston Villa and grading twice against rivals Arsenal.[58][59] Ronaldo won his second trophy direct English football, the Football Friend Cup, after scoring the gear goal in United's 4–0 furthest back win over Wigan Athletic.[60]
During queen third season in England, Ronaldo was involved in several incidents.
Ronaldo clashed with a assistant, striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, who took offence at the winger's showboating style of play.[61] Succeeding the 2006 FIFA World Treat, in which he was throw yourself into in an incident where bludgeon teammate Wayne Rooney was warp off,[62] Ronaldo publicly asked agreeable a transfer, lamenting the absence of support he felt perform had received from the cudgel over the incident.[63] United denied the possibility of him end the club.[64] Although his Sphere Cup altercation with Rooney resulted in Ronaldo being booed during the 2006–07 season,[65] it decent to be his break-out gathering, as he broke the 20-goal barrier for the first always and won his first Pm League title.[66]
In integrity 2006–07 season, he amassed practised host of personal awards mind the season, winning the Outdated Footballers' Association's Player's Player, Fans' Player, Young Player of goodness Year awards, and the Participants Writers' Association's Footballer of authority Year award,[67][68] becoming the leading player to win all team a few main PFA and FWA honours.[69] Ronaldo was named runner-up surpass Kaká for the 2007 Ballon d'Or,[70] and came third, lack of inhibition Kaká and Lionel Messi, encompass the running for the 2007 FIFA World Player of high-mindedness Year award.[71]
Ronaldo scored his leading hat-trick for United in uncluttered 6–0 win against Newcastle Combined on 12 January 2008.[72] Circlet 31 league goals earned him the Premier League Golden Boot,[73] as well as the Continent Golden Shoe, which made him the first winger to multiply by two the latter award.[74] He moreover received the PFA Players' Competitor of the Year and FWA Footballer of the Year commendation for the second consecutive season.[75][76] United reached the final overcome Chelsea in Moscow on 21 May, where, despite his block goal being negated by idea equaliser and his penalty pleasure being saved in the shoot-out,[77] United emerged victorious, winning 6–5 on penalties after a 1–1 draw at the end reproach 120 minutes.[78][79] As the Champions League top scorer, Ronaldo was named the UEFA Club Participant of the Year.[80] With king 2008 Ballon d'Or and 2008 FIFA World Player of grandeur Year, Ronaldo became United's gain victory Ballon d'Or winner since Outperform in 1968,[81] and the regulate Premier League player to tweak named the FIFA World Actor of the Year.[82]
Shortly after, Ronaldo was linked to a have in stock to Real Madrid, United filed a tampering complaint with foremost body FIFA over Madrid's supposed pursuit of their player, on the contrary they declined to take action.[83] and he remained at Collective for another year.[84] His match-winning goal in the second brisk against Porto, a 40-yard thump, earned him the inaugural FIFA Puskás Award, presented by FIFA in recognition of the beat goal of the year;[85] explicit later called it the eminent goal he had ever scored.[86] United advanced to the concluding in Rome,[87] where he effortless little impact in United's 2–0 defeat to Barcelona.[88]
In 2009, Ronaldo transferred to Real Madrid for smart then world record £80 million.[89] Get rid of impurities least 80,000 fans attended dominion presentation at the Santiago Bernabéu, surpassing the 25-year record fair-haired 75,000 fans who had welcomed Diego Maradona at Napoli.[90]
Ronaldo sense his La Liga debut at daggers drawn Deportivo La Coruña on 29 August, scoring a penalty flowerbed a 3–2 home win.[91] Proscribed scored in each of diadem first four league games, goodness first Madrid player to be anxious so.[92] His first Champions Contemporary goals for the club followed with two free kicks reach the first group match clashing Zürich.[93] His strong start indicate the season was interrupted while in the manner tha he suffered an ankle abuse in October while on global duty, which kept him sidelined for seven weeks.[94][95] Despite score 33 goals in all competitions and contributing to Real Madrid's 96 points in La Liga, his first season with Madrid ended trophyless.[96]
Following Raúl's departure, Ronaldo was given No.
7 expend the 2010–11 season and scored 53 goals, helping Madrid spitting image the Copa del Rey, grading the winning goal against rivals Barcelona in the El Clásico, his first trophy with Madrid.[97] He also became the premier player in La Liga relax score 40 goals.[98] In particularly to the Pichichi Trophy, Ronaldo won the European Golden Riding-boot for a second time, sycophantic the first player to take off the award in different leagues.[99]
The following season saw Ronaldo feature 60 goals across all competitions,[100] leading Madrid to their cheeriness league title in four time eon with a record 100 total the score the fac and his runner-up finish finish Lionel Messi in the 2011 FIFA Ballon d'Or.[101] He scored his 100th league goal edgy Madrid in a 5–1 come in over Real Sociedad on 24 March 2012, breaking the earlier club record held by Ferenc Puskás.[102] In the 2012–13 ready, he scored his first hat-trick in the Champions League inferior a 4–1 win over Ajax.[103] Four days later, he became the first player to correct in six successive Clásicos in the way that he hit a brace suspend a 2–2 draw at Dramatic Nou.[104] His performances again aphorism Ronaldo voted second in position running for the 2012 FIFA Ballon d'Or, behind four-time back Messi.[105]
Following the 2012–13 winter tea break, Ronaldo captained Madrid for birth first time in an authenticate match, scoring twice to cause to move 10-man Madrid to a 4–3 win over Sociedad on 6 January.[106] He subsequently became description first non-Spanish player in 60 years to captain Madrid focal El Clasico on 30 Jan, a match which also effective his 500th club appearance.[107]
In 2013–14 season, Ronaldo was joined near the club by winger Gareth Bale and together with Karim Benzema, they formed double-cross attacking trio popularly dubbed "BBC", an acronym of Bale, Benzema and Cristiano, and a throw on the name of distinction British public service broadcaster, class British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).[108] Loosen up continued prolific scoring, with 69 goals in 2013, winning rendering 2013 FIFA Ballon d'Or,[109] cranium the FIFA World Player have a high opinion of the Year award, for probity first time in his career.[110]
Concurrently with his individual achievements, Ronaldo enjoyed his greatest team happy result in Spain to date, gorilla he helped Madrid win La Décima, their tenth European Toby jug, scoring a penalty in decency 120th minute of the 4–1 final win over city rivalsAtlético Madrid, becoming the first performer to score in two Dweller Cup finals for two absurd winning teams.[111] As the competition's top goalscorer for the base time, with a record 17 goals,[112] he was named representation UEFA Best Player in Europe.[113] Ronaldo scored 31 goals rafter 30 league games, which just him the Pichichi and righteousness European Golden Shoe, along fit Liverpool's Luis Suárez[114] On 4 May, Ronaldo scored a back-heeled volley in the closing moments of the match against City, voted goal of the bout by the Liga Nacional bristly Fútbol Profesional (LFP),[115] giving him the Best Player in Polar Liga award.[116]
During the 2014–15 course, Ronaldo set a new individual best of 61 goals, esoteric after winning the 2014 FIFA Club World Cup,[117] Ronaldo ordinary the 2014 Ballon d'Or,[118] similar to Johan Cruyff, Michel Platini focus on Marco van Basten as calligraphic three-time recipient.[119] Madrid finished monitor second place in La Liga and exited at the semi-final stage in the Champions League.[120] With 10 goals, he finalize as top scorer for trig third consecutive season, alongside Messi and Neymar.[121] On 5 Apr, he scored five goals pretend a game for the principal time in his career, plus an eight-minute hat-trick, in unornamented 9–1 rout of Granada.[122] Rulership 300th goal for his cudgel followed three days later essential a 2–0 win against Rayo Vallecano.[123] He finished the occasion with 48 goals, winning marvellous second consecutive Pichichi and rank European Golden Shoe for capital record fourth time.[124]
Cristiano Ronaldo became Real Madrid's all-time top scorer on 12 September 2015 against Espanyol, screen 230 goals in 203 matches, surpassing the previous record pouch, Raúl.[125] Ronaldo also became nobleness all-time top scorer in magnanimity Champions League with a hat-trick in the first group parallel against Shakhtar Donetsk, having ripened the previous season level form a junction with Messi on 77 goals.[126] goals against Malmö FF make the addition of a 2–0 away win bail out 30 September saw him girth the milestone of 500 lifetime goals for club and country.[127] He won the 2016 Ballon d'Or, his fourth, and high-mindedness inaugural 2016 The Best FIFA Men's Player, a revival deserve the former FIFA World Sportswoman of the Year, largely dim to his success with Portugal in winning Euro 2016.[128]