Cristiano Ronaldo: Biography, Career, Records, Net Worth & Legacy
Cristiano Ronaldo (born February 5, 1985, Funchal, Madeira, Portugal) is a Portuguese football forward and one of the greatest players in football history.
Early Life and Background
Ronaldo’s father, José Dinis Aveiro, worked as an equipment manager for the local club Andorinha. The name “Ronaldo” was added in honor of his father’s favorite actor, Ronald Reagan.
At age 15, Cristiano Ronaldo was diagnosed with a heart condition that required surgery. He made a full recovery and soon began his rise through Portuguese youth football.
Early Club Career
Ronaldo first played for Clube Desportivo Nacional before joining Sporting Clube de Portugal. He made his professional debut for Sporting’s first team in 2002.
Manchester United Breakthrough (2003–2009)
In 2003, Ronaldo signed with Manchester United. His breakthrough season came in 2007–08 when he scored 42 goals and won the Ballon d’Or.
He helped United win the UEFA Champions League in 2008 and became the FIFA World Player of the Year.
Real Madrid Era & Record-Breaking Years
In 2009, Ronaldo joined Real Madrid for a then-record £80 million transfer fee. He became the club’s all-time leading scorer with 450 goals.
- 5 Champions League titles with Real Madrid
- 4 Ballon d’Or awards at Real Madrid
- Most goals in a single Champions League season
Juventus, Return to Manchester United & Al Nassr
Ronaldo joined Juventus in 2018, winning multiple Serie A titles. In 2021, he returned to Manchester United before leaving the club in 2022.
He then signed with Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, becoming the face of global football growth in the Middle East.
International Career with Portugal
Ronaldo debuted for Portugal in 2003 and became captain in 2008.
- UEFA Euro 2016 Champion
- UEFA Nations League Winner (2019, 2025)
- First male footballer to score at five World Cups
- First men’s player to score 900 official career goals (2024)
Records, Awards & Achievements
Cristiano Ronaldo has won five Ballon d’Or awards (2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017) and holds numerous goal-scoring records across club and international football.
CR7 Brand, Endorsements & Net Worth
Ronaldo is one of the most marketable athletes in history. His CR7 brand includes clothing, footwear, fragrances, and hotels.
In 2025, he became the world’s first active footballer billionaire, with an estimated net worth of $1.4 billion.
Legal Issues
In 2018, Ronaldo settled a tax-related case in Spain by accepting a suspended sentence and paying €18.8 million, maintaining his innocence while closing the matter.
Legacy of Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo’s discipline, longevity, and unmatched goal-scoring ability have made him one of the greatest footballers of all time. His influence extends beyond football into global culture and business.