Who is Cristiano Ronaldo? Meet one of football's most iconic names and undisputed Man Utd legend (2024)

Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the greatest footballers of all time – who spent some of his finest years at Manchester United.

Ronaldo came to Manchester United from Sporting Lisbon in 2003 as a young budding talent with a lot to prove.

He then left for the first time in 2009 as a god at Old Trafford, having won countless trophies, scored a ludicrous amount of goals and cemented himself in the club’s history as arguably the greatest-ever number seven for the Red Devils.

He’s a global superstar – with so much going on even outside of football. Here’s an in-depth profile on the five-time Ballon d’Or winning enigma.

Who is Cristiano Ronaldo? Meet one of football's most iconic names and undisputed Man Utd legend (1)

Cristiano Ronaldo age

As of February 27, 2024, Cristiano Ronaldo is 39 years old. He was born on February 5, 1985, in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal.

Cristiano Ronaldo height

Cristiano Ronaldo’s height is approximately 6 feet 2 inches (1.87 meters).

His imposing physical stature has allowed Ronaldo to change his game in his older years, moving to a central striker as opposed to the winger position he was known for in Manchester United’s squad.

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Cristiano Ronaldo stats

Sporting Lisbon

  • Games: 31
  • Goals: 5
  • Assists: 6

Manchester United

  • Games: 346
  • Goals: 145
  • Assists: 64

Real Madrid

  • Games: 438
  • Goals: 450
  • Assists: 131

Juventus

  • Games: 134
  • Goals: 101
  • Assists: 22

Al-Nassr FC * as of 27/02/2024

  • Games: 48
  • Goals: 42
  • Assists: 8

Portugal

  • Games: 205
  • Goals: 128
  • Assists: 46

How many goals has Cristiano Ronaldo scored in total?

As of 27/02/2024, Cristiano Ronaldo has scored a whopping 871 goals over the course of his career.

How many goals has Cristiano Ronaldo scored for Portugal?

As of 27/02/2024, Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 128 goals for Portugal’s national side. He is their all-time leading goalscorer.

How many goals has Cristiano Ronaldo scored in the Champions League?

Cristiano Ronaldo has scored a ridiculous 140 goals in 183 games in the Champions League.

Who is Cristiano Ronaldo? Meet one of football's most iconic names and undisputed Man Utd legend (2)

Cristiano Ronaldo life history

Ronaldo rose from humble beginnings to become one of the greatest footballers of all time. Growing up in a working-class family, Ronaldo displayed exceptional talent from a young age, joining Andorinha at just eight years old. He later moved to Nacional before catching the eye of Sporting Lisbon’s scouts at the age of 12.

Ronaldo’s professional career began with Sporting Lisbon in 2002, where his remarkable skills quickly gained attention. Just a year later, he signed with Manchester United, where he flourished under the guidance of Sir Alex Ferguson, winning three Premier League titles and the Champions League in 2008. His impressive performances earned him his first Ballon d’Or in 2008.

Off to Madrid

In 2009, Ronaldo made a record-breaking transfer to Real Madrid for £80 million, becoming the most expensive player in the world at the time. During his nine-year tenure with the Spanish giants, he shattered numerous records, including becoming Real Madrid’s all-time leading scorer with 450 goals after some ludicrous goal-scoring seasons. Ronaldo won four Champions League titles with Real Madrid and clinched the Ballon d’Or four more times (2013, 2014, 2016, 2017).

In 2018, Ronaldo embarked on a new challenge by joining Juventus in Serie A, Italy’s top football league, in a €100 million transfer. He continued to excel, winning consecutive Serie A titles with the club – but decided after a couple of years to make his boldest move yet.

Back to Manchester

He then moved back to Manchester United in August 2021, who were managed by Ole Gunnar Solksjaer at the time, in a transfer that shocked the footballing world.

His second tenure at Old Trafford was not as successful, and after a fallout with Erik ten Hag, an infamous interview with Piers Morgan, and just under two more years in Manchester – Ronaldo parted ways with the Red Devils for a second time. He then found refuge in Saudi Arabia with Al Nassr – where he’s still playing to this day.

Internationally, Ronaldo has been a key figure for the Portuguese national team since his debut in 2003. He has represented Portugal in multiple UEFA European Championships and FIFA World Cups, leading his team to victory in the UEFA Euro 2016 tournament, Portugal’s first major international title.

Cristiano Ronaldo net worth

As of 2024, Ronaldo has an estimated net worth of around £500 million, per TalkSport.

Cristiano Ronaldo salary

Ronaldo’s contract with Al-Nassr is reported to ensure a salary of £177million a year. That breaks down to approximately £3.4million a week.

Manchester United and Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo joined Manchester United in 2003 from Sporting Lisbon, marking the beginning of his illustrious career in the Premier League. Ronaldo’s first season showcased his immense talent, though he faced criticism for inconsistency.

However, under the mentorship of Sir Alex Ferguson and alongside seasoned club legends like Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Wayne Rooney – Ronaldo flourished. He honed his skills, developed physically, and matured as a player, becoming a vital component of United’s success.

Making his mark

The 2006-2007 season was a breakout year for Ronaldo, where he truly established himself as one of the world’s best. He scored 23 league goals, won the PFA Players’ Player of the Year, and helped Manchester United secure the Premier League title. Ronaldo’s crowning moment at United came in 2008 when he played a pivotal role in the Champions League triumph, scoring in the final against Chelsea and lifting the trophy.

His remarkable performances earned him numerous individual accolades, including the Ballon d’Or in 2008, solidifying his status as a global superstar before departing for Real Madrid in 2009 as one of Manchester United’s legendary players.

Ronaldo comes home

He got a dream move back to Carrington in August 2021, when he came home from Juventus. His debut couldn’t have been better, bagging a brace against Newcastle United in front of 80,000 adoring fans.

Ronaldo continued to be incredible in his first season back. He was electric under Solksjaer and was United’s main man once again.

However, sadly – after a falling out with the club and the manager, he left once again on the 22nd of November 2022, ending his time with United once and for all.

Who is Cristiano Ronaldo? Meet one of football's most iconic names and undisputed Man Utd legend (3)

Cristiano Ronaldo Al Nassr

Cristiano Ronaldo joined the Riyadh-based side Al Nassr on a contract until June 2025 on the 30th of December 2022.

The Portuguese icon said he joined the Saudi Arabian club after he ‘won everything’ in Europe. He also revealed he had turned down several top clubs following an acrimonious split with Manchester United in November, instead deciding to sign a deal until 2025 with Al Nassr.

He made a winning start to life in the Saudi Pro League as he led Al Nassr to a 1-0 victory over Ettifaq in his first match, despite failing to score.

Since then, he’s been absolutely electric – scoring a ludicrous amount of goals to add to his ridiculous tally.

Cristiano Ronaldo dates joined

  • Joined Sporting Lisbon – July 1st 2002 from academy
  • Joined Manchester United – August 12th 2003 from Sporting Lisbon
  • Joined Real Madrid – July 6th 2009 from Manchester United
  • Joined Juventus – July 10th 2018 from Real Madrid
  • Joined Manchester United – November 22nd 2022 from Juventus
  • Joined Al-Nassr – January 1st 2023 from Free Agent

Cristiano Ronaldo wife

Ronaldo is not married and has never been married before. However, he is currently in a long-term relationship with Georgina Rodriguez.

The couple reportedly met in 2016 and have been together since then. Rodriguez has been a constant presence in Ronaldo’s life, accompanying him to various events and supporting him in his professional endeavors.

Rodriguez has embraced her role as a mother figure to Ronaldo’s children. Together, they have two children, a daughter named Alana Martina, born in November 2017 and Bella who was born in April 2022.

Throughout their relationship, Ronaldo and Rodriguez have maintained a relatively private personal life, choosing to share glimpses of their happiness together with fans through carefully curated social media posts and public appearances.

Cristiano Ronaldo Jr.

Cristiano Ronaldo Jr., also known as “Cristianinho,” is the eldest son of Ronaldo. He was born on June 17, 2010, in San Diego, California, United States.

Ronaldo has never publicly disclosed the identity of Cristiano Jr.’s mother, as he reportedly used a surrogate for the birth.

Cristiano Jr. is often seen accompanying his father at various events and matches, and he has become somewhat of a celebrity in his own right due to his father’s fame.

Despite growing up in the spotlight, Cristiano Jr. is shielded from excessive media attention, and Ronaldo strives to provide him with a normal childhood as much as possible.

He is trying to follow in his father’s footsteps of becoming a footballer. He has previously played for Juventus’ and Manchester United’s Academy sides – and is now featuring for Al Nassr.

Cristiano Ronaldo baby tragically dies

Rodríguezand Ronaldo announced in April 2022 thatone of their twins, a son, had died during childbirth, calling it “the greatest pain that any parents can feel” in a joint statement shared on their social media accounts. The other twin, a baby girl they named Bella, survived.

Cristiano Ronaldo Instagram

You can find Cristiano Ronaldo on Instagram under the handle – @cristiano.

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Cristiano Ronaldo

Who is Cristiano Ronaldo? Meet one of football's most iconic names and undisputed Man Utd legend (2024)

FAQs

Who is Cristiano Ronaldo? Meet one of football's most iconic names and undisputed Man Utd legend? ›

Cristiano Ronaldo (born February 5, 1985, Funchal, Madeira, Portugal) is a Portuguese football (soccer) forward who is one of the greatest players of his generation. The winner of five Ballon d'Or awards, he is among the sport's top goal scorers.

What is the original name of famous football player Ronaldo? ›

Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro was born in Funchal, Madeira Islands in early 1985 to Maria Dolores dos Santos and José Dinis Aveiro. He has one brother named Hugo, and two sisters named Katia and Elma.

When was Ronaldo named the best player in the Premier League? ›

Winners. Alan Shearer won the inaugural Premier League Player of the Season in 1995. Peter Schmeichel, the 1996 winner, is the only goalkeeper to win the award. Cristiano Ronaldo, the 2007 and 2008 recipient, won his latter award alongside the FIFA World Player of the Year.

Who played with Ronaldo the most? ›

Ramos has also actually spent the most minutes with Ronaldo on the pitch as teammates (28,441). In fourth is another serial winner with Real Madrid in Brazilian full-back Marcelo who has played 332 games alongside Ronaldo.

Who is better, Messi or Ronaldo? ›

Messi was given the title of G.O.A.T after winning the 2022 Qatar World Cup. Ronaldo has not won the World Cup so he is often denied to given the title of the World Cup. Messi has won many trophies throughout his career but Ronaldo has better stats than Messi. Henceforth, both are the G.O.A.T 's of football.

Has Ronaldo played Messi? ›

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have played against each other 37 times in their illustrious soccer careers. But they won't have one "Last Dance" as soccer fans worldwide hoped to see this week.

Which football players are called Ronaldo? ›

People
  • Ronaldo (Brazilian footballer), full name Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima (born 1976), Brazilian footballer.
  • Cristiano Ronaldo (born 1985), Portuguese footballer.
  • Ronaldinho, full name Ronaldo de Assis Moreira (born 1980), Brazilian footballer, also known as "Ronaldinho Gaúcho"

Will Ronaldo play the 2026 World Cup? ›

The next World Cup may be three years away, but Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly plans to take part in the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada. He has apparently told Al Nassr that he'd like to extend his contract with the club until at least the beginning of 2027, when he is expected to hang up his boots.

Who was number 7 in Man United before Ronaldo? ›

So many iconic names have worn the prestigious Manchester United jersey, but there are some names that have cemented themselves in history thanks to one number, seven. George Best, Bryan Robson, Eric Cantona, David Beckham, and Cristiano Ronaldo to name some from a lineage that will live on for years to come.

When did Ronaldo win his first Ballon d'Or? ›

In December 2008 a 23-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo lifted the first of his five Ballon d'Or awards. The following year Lionel Messi, then just 22, won the award for the first time.

Who is the best friend of Ronaldo? ›

Real Madrid players, Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcelo have quite the bromance going on as they are always messing with each in training, on and off the pitch. They seem to always be sitting with each other and dancing together, which is great to watch.

Who is Messi's favorite teammate? ›

Lionel Messi's top 10 favourite teammates include Xavi, Neymar, Sergio Busquets, Luis Suarez, Deco, Samuel Eto'o, Andres Iniesta, David Villa, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and Ronaldinho. These players have had significant success playing alongside Messi at Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.

Who has more records than Ronaldo? ›

Lionel Messi has 41 Guinness world records and Cristiano Ronaldo has 40.

Who is richer, Messi or Ronaldo? ›

Cristiano Ronaldo is the highest-paid footballer in the world in 2023, earning more than the likes of Lionel Messi and Neymar during the past 12 months, according to Forbes.

Are Messi and Ronaldo friends? ›

Cristiano Ronaldo on his rivalry with Lionel Messi: We are not friends but we respect each other.

Is Ronaldo retiring? ›

Cristiano Ronaldo has no intentions of retiring any time soon, saying in a recent interview that the body of work over his career motivates him to continue at the age of 39. "I feel proud to have this age and still compete at the highest level," he said on the latest episode of the Whoop Podcast.

What is the origin of the name Ronaldo? ›

Meaning "ruler's counselor," baby Ronaldo can feel encouraged to be a supportive presence in the lives of the people around him. This name comes from the Old Norse name Ronald, which is also related to Reginald and Reynold. Ronaldo, though, is a Spanish twist on the traditional name.

Who was Ronaldo before? ›

What was Cristiano Ronaldo's early life like? Ronaldo joined Clube Desportivo Nacional of Madeira and then transferred to Sporting Clube de Portugal (known as Sporting Lisbon), where he played for that club's various youth football (soccer) teams before making his debut on Sporting's first team in 2002.

What does Ronaldo mean in Portuguese? ›

Ronaldo is a Portuguese origin name equal to English name Ronald. It is a very common name in Spanish and Portuguese speaking countries. The meaning of this name is 'ruler's counselor'''

What does Ronaldo Siuuu mean? ›

Meaning and explanation

The phrase "siu" is derived from Portuguese, meaning "yes". (The Portuguese word you yes being 'sim') This was confirmed by Ronaldo in an interview in 2023, almost a decade since he first performed it. Ronaldo explained that the phrase "Siuuu' simply means yes, but "meaning it very strongly".

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