Cristiano Ronaldo: The greatest of all time

Introduction

Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro was born on February 5, 1985, in Madeira, Portugal. He grew up in a small house with his parents and three siblings. His family didn’t have a lot of money, but Ronaldo always had big dreams. Ronaldo faced financial struggles. His father was poor and to help support his family Ronaldo worked by sweeping the streets. He used the money he earned to join a local football team, marking the beginning of his football journey. From a young age, his passion for football was clear, and he started playing for a local team, Andorinha, before moving on to Nacional, where his skills began to shine. 

Sporting CP (2002-2003)

According to UEFA.com, “Cristiano Ronaldo’s journey to stardom began at Sporting CP, where he joined the youth academy at just 12 years old. Ronaldo quickly ascended through the ranks, and by 2002, he was making his debut for the senior team. His performances in the Portuguese league, particularly in the Taca de Portugal, helped Sporting gain attention both domestically and internationally.”

Although his time at Sporting was short, Ronaldo’s abilities were already drawing the eye of scouts across Europe. Sporting’s academy director, José Alberti, praised Ronaldo’s work ethic, stating, “He was never satisfied. He always wanted more. He was always pushing himself, and that is what made him different.”

Manchester United (2003-2009)

In 2003, Ronaldo moved to Manchester United at the age of 18. His skills quickly impressed Sir Alex Ferguson. Ferguson once said, in an interview with Piers Morgan, “He had everything—speed, skill, and an unrelenting will to win.” He soon became a star in the Premier League. His most memorable moment was in the 2008 Champions League final, where Ronaldo scored an amazing header against Chelsea.

At United, Ronaldo scored 118 goals in 292 appearances. He developed into one of the world’s top players, known for his powerful shots and amazing dribbling skills. During his six years at Manchester United (2003-2009), Ronaldo won three Premier League titles, an FA Cup, one UEFA Champions League title, and his first Ballon d’Or in 2008.

 Real Madrid (2009-2018)

In 2009, Ronaldo made the record-breaking move to Real Madrid for €94 million, making him the most expensive player in the world at the time. At Madrid, Ronaldo reached new heights, becoming the club’s all-time top scorer with 450 goals in 438 appearances. His time in Spain was legendary, winning 4 Champions League titles, 2 La Liga titles, 2 Copa del Rey trophies, and 4 Ballon d’Ors during his nine years at the club.

During his time at Real Madrid he was under the management of Manuel Pellegrini (2009-2010), José Mourinho (2010-2013), Carlo Ancelotti (2013-2015), Rafael Benítez (2015-2016), and Zinedine Zidane (2016-2018).One of his most unforgettable moments came in the 2014 Champions League final against Atletico Madrid, where his extra-time goal sealed La Decima, Madrid’s 10th Champions League title. Ronaldo also scored a header in the 2017 final against Juventus, completing a brace and leading Madrid to their 12th Champions League win. His celebrations became iconic, with his most famous celebration being “Suiiii” as well as the Sleep Celebration, Calma, and take a seat and shirt off celebrations.

Juventus (2018-2021)

“In the summer of 2018, Ronaldo made another high-profile transfer, this time to Juventus for €100 million, a move that further solidified his status as one of the most valuable players in the world. At Juventus, he continued to break records and deliver remarkable performances. Over his three seasons in Italy, Ronaldo scored 101 goals in 134 appearances, helping the club secure two Serie A titles (2018-2019, 2019-2020) and the Supercoppa Italiana in 2020. Though the Champions League eluded him in Turin, his individual brilliance remained evident, and his presence lifted Juventus in both domestic and European competitions. His time in Italy was marked by his consistency, leadership, and ability to deliver when it mattered most.” (Goal.com)

One of Ronaldo’s iconic moments in Juventus came in 2019, when he scored a hat-trick against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, eliminating the Spanish side and bringing Juventus into the quarterfinals. Despite facing some criticism for the club’s failure to win the Champions League during his time in Juventus, Ronaldo’s skills were undeniable.

Return to Manchester United (2021-2022)

“In August 2021, Ronaldo made a sensational return to Manchester United. At United he was filled with moments of brilliance, including scoring a brace in his first match back in the Premier League against Newcastle United. However, the team struggled under manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and later Ralf Rangnick, failing to live up to the expectations set by their legendary past.” (espn.com)

Despite the team’s overall struggles, Ronaldo continued to perform individually, finishing as United’s top scorer in both the Premier League and Champions League during the 2021-2022 season. His leadership on the field and his drive to win were visible in every game, even if the team around him wasn’t always up to their best performance. After a season marked by manager changes, Ronaldo eventually left the club in November 2022 after an explosive interview where he publicly criticized the club’s direction and management.

Al Nassr (2023-Present)

In December 2022, at the age of 37, Ronaldo made a historic move to Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, marking the end of his European football journey. The transfer was a monumental event in the Middle East, as Ronaldo became one of the highest-paid athletes in the world, earning a reported €200 million per year.

Ronaldo’s arrival in Saudi Arabia was seen as a game-changer for both Al Nassr and Middle Eastern football in general. His influence has been far-reaching, not just in terms of football but also in growing the sport’s profile in the region. He continues to play at a high level, maintaining his fitness and commitment to the game despite his age. Off the pitch, he has also been significant for the region, drawing global attention to Saudi football.