Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro, a Portuguese Footballer, plays as a forward for Serie A club Juventus, captains the Portugal National Football team. He is often considered the best football player globally and widely regarded as one of the greatest players.

1. “I’M LIVING A DREAM I NEVER WANT TO WAKE UP FROM.”

Ronaldo was born on 5th February 1985, into a family of four as the last born. His father, Jose, was a gardener and a part-time kit man. The footballer recollects his father was a heavy drinker. His mother, Maria, was a cleaner and a cook, and she would work until late at night to provide for her family. 

By age 14, Ronaldo believed he had the ability to play semi-professionally. He was selected by Sporting CP, who signed him for a fee of £1,500. His family ceased his education to focus entirely on football. 

During his teenage days, he was diagnosed with a racing heart, a condition that could have forced him to give up playing football. He underwent heart surgery, a laser was used to cauterise multiple cardiac pathways into one.

2. “WINNING – THAT’S THE MOST IMPORTANT TO ME. IT’S AS SIMPLE AS THAT”

He was nicknamed “little bee” and “crybaby”. The former one was because he was quick as a bee when he was playing football. And the latter because he would always cry when things did not seem to work, or go his way.

Ronaldo has always credited his success to this old friend ‘Albert Fantrau’. In their initial days, Fantrau was selected by the academy replacing Ronaldo. However, he turned it down, and in his place, Ronaldo got selected. When asked, he said “You’re better than me”. And the rest, as they say, is history.

3.”I DON’T WANT TO TELL MY DREAMS, I WANT TO SHOW THEM”

His major Trophies include:

• Five Ballon d’Or awards
• Four European Golden Shoes
• 31 primary trophies in his career, including seven league titles
• Five UEFA Champions Leagues
• One UEFA European Championship 
• One UEFA Nations League title

4. “IF YOU THINK YOU’RE PERFECT ALREADY, THEN YOU NEVER WILL BE”

Apart from his Football records, Ronaldo has a great physique that requires admiration, both on and off the pitch, to sports fans as well as fitness enthusiasts. Regarding his workout regime, he is very disciplined and follows his routine rigorously. 

He is also one of the highest paid footballers of his time (Second to Messi). In 2014, Ronaldo was ranked top of the list of the world’s highest-paid players. His gross earnings (including salaries, bonuses, off-field earnings, and other incomes) were $ 73 million. In 2017, his annual income from various sources was $ 93 million.

In 2003, Cristiano was signed to Manchester United and was paid £ 12 million. In 2021, he was signed by Real Madrid at £ 365,000 per week. However, the deal ran out in 2021, and he was transferred to Juventus at an annual fee of €30m.

5. “I HAVE MY FLAWS TOO, BUT I AM A PROFESSIONAL WHO DOESN’T LIKE TO MISS OR LOSE”

Ronaldo has a museum in Funchal that is dedicated to his life, career, rare photos, trophies, and awards that he has won over the years. It’s such a great way to be reminded you’re the best by having a museum showcasing all your accomplishments.

However, despite his records, trophies, and popularity, many people dislike him saying he is arrogant, unfriendly, cold and aloof. In 2011, he made a comment that left his haters, critics and even his fans baffled, saying that people who did not like him felt that way because he is handsome, rich and talented than any other figure.

Despite all the negative comments, Ronaldo has a good heart. He has sold his golden boot so that he could fund academic tuition fees for children in Gaza. In December 2012, he joined FIFA’s 11 For Health Foundation. The Foundation aimed at creating awareness amongst children suffering from conditions such as HIV, obesity, Malaria, and drug addiction.