Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the most well-known footballers in the world. His dedication to the sport and incredible talent have earned him numerous awards and accolades. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just someone who appreciates great athletes, learning more about his journey is always interesting.
Why is Cristiano Ronaldo so admired by millions? From his early beginnings in Madeira to becoming a global icon, Ronaldo’s life is full of fascinating stories and achievements. This article will delve into 20 fun facts about his remarkable career and personal life.
1. Scored his first goal for Sporting CP at 17
Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first professional goal for Sporting CP at just 17 years old.
It was a significant moment in his career, showing a glimpse of the superstar he would become. He netted this goal during a friendly match against Betis in 2002.
At such a young age, he was already making waves in the football world. This early achievement marked the beginning of a remarkable journey. He quickly showed his potential, impressing fans and coaches alike.
His time at Sporting CP set the stage for his future successes. This goal was just the start, leading to an illustrious career filled with many more achievements. This moment remains a key highlight in Ronaldo’s early days as a footballer.
For more details on Ronaldo’s early career, check out the memories of Ronaldo’s debut. His journey from that first goal to becoming a global icon is truly inspiring.
2. First Player to Win Four European Golden Shoes
Cristiano Ronaldo is known for setting records, and one of his most impressive feats is winning the European Golden Shoe four times. This award is given to the top goal scorer in European league matches.
Ronaldo first won the award in 2008 while playing for Manchester United. His incredible performance made him the top scorer in Europe that season.
He then went on to win the Golden Shoe again in 2014, 2015, and 2018. Each win highlighted his standout skills and consistent scoring ability.
Being the first player ever to achieve this milestone underscores Ronaldo’s remarkable talent and dedication. His ability to maintain such high performance over multiple seasons sets him apart from other players.
Ronaldo’s four Golden Shoes are a testament to his place among soccer’s all-time greats. His prowess on the field continues to inspire fans and aspiring players around the world.
3. Has won five Ballon d’Or awards
Cristiano Ronaldo has won the prestigious Ballon d’Or award five times. This award is given to the best male football player in the world. Ronaldo took home his first Ballon d’Or in 2008.
After his initial win, Ronaldo continued to impress. He claimed the award again in 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2017. These victories cemented his status as one of the greatest footballers ever.
Ronaldo’s incredible skill, dedication, and hard work have been key to his success. Each Ballon d’Or award highlights his consistent top performance and influence on the field. His five Ballon d’Or wins make him a joint record holder with Lionel Messi.
Winning the Ballon d’Or is a huge achievement, and Ronaldo’s five wins show just how exceptional he is. His talent has left an indelible mark on football, inspiring countless fans and players worldwide. For more details, check out his Ballon d’Or victories.
4. Holds the record for most goals in the UEFA Champions League
Cristiano Ronaldo holds the record for the most goals scored in the UEFA Champions League. He has scored a staggering 140 goals.
Ronaldo’s goal-scoring achievements span several top European clubs. He netted goals for Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus in this prestigious tournament.
He surpassed Lionel Messi, who holds the record for most goals with a single club.
Ronaldo’s record highlights his consistency and talent over many years of competition. His goal-scoring feats have truly set him apart from other football legends.
For more details about the records Ronaldo holds, check out this UEFA article.
5. Scored over 700 career goals
Cristiano Ronaldo has scored over 700 career goals, making him one of the most prolific goal scorers in soccer history. His ability to find the back of the net is legendary.
Ronaldo’s goal-scoring record includes games played for club teams and the Portuguese national team. His tally keeps increasing with each season.
He is also the all-time top scorer in the UEFA Champions League with 134 goals. This achievement highlights his consistent performance in Europe’s top competition.
Ronaldo not only excels in club football but also shines for Portugal. He has been a key figure since 2003, helping his team achieve significant victories.
For example, he led Portugal to their first major international trophy, the UEFA European Championship, in 2016.
Fans and analysts marvel at his fitness and skill, allowing him to score at a high level into his late 30s. Ronaldo’s dedication to training and discipline contributes to his goal-scoring prowess.
To explore more about his goal-scoring feats, you can read additional details here and here.
6. Highest Scorer in UEFA Euro History
Cristiano Ronaldo is the all-time top scorer in UEFA Euro history. His incredible performance at the Euros has earned him this title.
Ronaldo has scored 14 goals in the tournament, more than any other player. His goalscoring achievements include multiple tournaments, showcasing his consistency and skill on the international stage.
He made his record-breaking goal tally over five different Euro tournaments. This record began in 2004 and continued through to UEFA Euro 2024.
Ronaldo’s dedication and talent have made him a key player for Portugal. His scoring ability has crucially contributed to Portugal’s successes in these competitions.
In addition to being the top scorer, he has made more match appearances than any other player. Ronaldo has played 25 matches in the Euros, accumulating an impressive 2,155 minutes on the field.
For more details on Ronaldo’s Euro records, you can visit Cristiano Ronaldo’s EURO records.
His goals and records have solidified his legacy in European football. Fans and aspiring players look up to Ronaldo for his hard work and dedication to the sport.
7. Named after Ronald Reagan
Cristiano Ronaldo was named after Ronald Reagan, the 40th President of the United States. His parents admired Reagan, both for his political career and his work as an actor.
Ronaldo’s father particularly liked Reagan. He found the name strong and inspiring.
It’s interesting to note that Ronaldo was born just after Reagan’s second inauguration, cementing a unique blend of sports and politics in his name.
8. First Soccer Player to Earn Over $1 Billion
Cristiano Ronaldo has made history in the world of soccer by becoming the first player to earn over $1 billion in his career.
He achieved this incredible milestone at the age of 35. His earnings come from both his soccer salary and his various endorsement deals.
Ronaldo’s career earnings include $650 million from his salary over his 19-year playing career. The remaining $350 million has been earned through commercial deals and endorsements.
Breaking the $1 billion mark places him in the company of other legendary athletes. He is now one of only three active athletes to achieve this feat.
His financial success speaks to his skill on the field and his marketability off it. This achievement puts him ahead of many other sports celebrities.
For more details on his earnings, you can visit the NBC Sports article.
9. Launched a fragrance line: CR7
Cristiano Ronaldo, known for his skills on the field, also made his mark in the fashion and fragrance world. He launched his own fragrance line called CR7. This line includes several scents that reflect Ronaldo’s style and personality.
In 2023, he released CR7 Fearless, a woody spicy fragrance. It features top notes of red apple, longoza, bay leaf, grapefruit, and violet leaf. The middle notes include nutmeg, geranium, and violet. The base notes consist of Amrostar®, cashmeran, and vanilla (CR7 Fearless).
Another notable fragrance in his line is CR7 Discover, launched in 2024. This woody aromatic scent includes top notes of orange, lemon, and mandarin. The middle notes are lavender, petitgrain, and clary sage. The base notes are citrus, vetiver, and patchouli (CR7 Discover).
Ronaldo’s CR7 Origins came out in 2022. This aromatic fougere fragrance showcases top notes of bay leaf, mandarin orange, and pineapple. The middle notes are clary sage, lavender, and geranium. Base notes feature patchouli and vetiver (CR7 Origins).
Ronaldo’s fragrances cater to different preferences and demonstrate his versatile taste. Fans appreciate the unique blends and the personal touch he adds to each scent.
10. Owns a boutique hotel chain: Pestana CR7
Cristiano Ronaldo has ventured beyond soccer into the hospitality industry. He partnered with the Portuguese hotel group, Pestana, to create the Pestana CR7 brand. This boutique hotel chain combines luxury with a unique style reflecting Ronaldo’s personality.
The first Pestana CR7 hotel opened in Funchal, Madeira, which is Ronaldo’s hometown. The hotel has 49 rooms, including one special CR7 Suite featuring a Playstation 4 and virtual reality glasses.
They expanded to other locations, including Lisbon and Madrid. Recently, Ronaldo unveiled a new Pestana CR7 in New York’s Times Square.
Ronaldo’s goal is to position these hotels as trendsetters. Each hotel offers a unique experience, blending modern design with local culture.
Through Pestana CR7, Ronaldo continues to showcase his keen business sense and love for stylish living. The chain is growing quickly, making a mark in the hospitality world.
11. Has his own museum in Madeira
Cristiano Ronaldo has his own museum in Madeira, called the CR7 Museum. Located in Funchal, the museum is situated right on the waterfront, offering a stunning view of the ocean.
This museum showcases Ronaldo’s journey from his early days on the streets of Madeira to his rise as a global football icon. Opened on December 15, 2013, the exhibition area spans 400 m².
The museum features a collection of trophies, awards, and memorabilia. In addition to his football achievements, visitors can see personal items from his life. The building itself is modern and elegant, reflecting Ronaldo’s style and success.
Visitors to the CR7 Museum can enjoy not only the exhibits but also the beautiful surroundings. Being located in Funchal, the museum is easily accessible and has become a popular tourist attraction, drawing fans from around the world.
Above the museum, there is also a hotel, built in partnership with the Pestana Group. This unique feature allows fans to fully immerse themselves in Ronaldo’s world. The CR7 Museum continues to be a testament to his influence both on and off the field.
12. Played for Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus
Cristiano Ronaldo has had an impressive career, playing for some of the biggest football clubs in the world. He started his journey at Manchester United. At United, he developed his skills and became one of the top players in the Premier League.
After his success in England, Ronaldo moved to Real Madrid. His time at Real Madrid was historic. He became the club’s all-time leading scorer and helped the team win four Champions League titles.
In 2018, Ronaldo joined Juventus. Here, he continued to shine, winning multiple titles in Italy. His time in Juventus further showcased his incredible talent and adaptability in different leagues.
Throughout his career, Ronaldo’s play for Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus has cemented his status as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
13. Holds the record for most hat-tricks in La Liga
Cristiano Ronaldo once held the record for the most hat-tricks in La Liga, with an incredible 34 hat-tricks for Real Madrid. He achieved this between 2009 and 2018.
Lionel Messi, playing for FC Barcelona, eventually surpassed Ronaldo’s record. As of February 2020, Messi has a total of 36 hat-tricks in La Liga, marking a historic achievement.
Both Messi and Ronaldo share the record for the most hat-tricks in a single La Liga season, scoring eight hat-tricks each. Messi did this in the 2011-12 season, and Ronaldo matched it in the 2014-15 season.
Despite Ronaldo no longer holding the top spot, his 34 hat-tricks remain a significant part of La Liga history. His skill in delivering multiple hat-tricks has set a high standard for future players.
Ronaldo’s talent isn’t just limited to La Liga. He also holds numerous other records in football, showcasing his exceptional abilities on the field.
14. Has four children: Cristiano Jr., Eva, Mateo, and Alana
Cristiano Ronaldo is a proud father of four children.
His eldest son, Cristiano Jr., was born in 2010. Cristiano Jr. is often seen at his father’s games and events, showing an interest in soccer like his dad.
In 2017, Ronaldo welcomed twins Eva and Mateo. The twins were born via a surrogate. Eva and Mateo bring double the joy and are frequently featured in Ronaldo’s social media posts.
Later in the same year, Ronaldo and his partner, Georgina Rodriguez, had a daughter named Alana Martina. Alana is Ronaldo’s youngest child and often seen enjoying family adventures together.
Ronaldo is known to be a loving and dedicated father. Despite his busy schedule, he makes sure to spend quality time with his children, whether they are on vacation or celebrating special moments. For instance, he loves taking his kids on beach trips and other family outings.
To learn more about Ronaldo and his family, check out this article which details one of their beach vacations.
15. Famed for his rigorous training regimen
Cristiano Ronaldo is known for his intense training routine. He trains for up to four hours daily, incorporating a mix of high-intensity sprints, targeted weights, cardio, Pilates, and swimming. He follows this routine five days a week.
Ronaldo’s dedication doesn’t stop on weekends. Even then, he keeps pushing himself with a rigorous exercise routine. This commitment ensures he maintains a high level of fitness consistently.
One of his secrets is to mix up his workouts. He includes warm-up routines, football practice, cardio, and weight training. This keeps his training dynamic and engaging.
To make the most of his time, Ronaldo meticulously plans his workouts. His approach to training showcases his discipline and dedication to his sport.
His routine also features gym work, agility drills, and cardiovascular exercises, emphasizing a holistic approach to fitness and well-being. This balanced emphasis helps him stay in top shape for both his football career and day-to-day life.
16. Speaks four languages: Portuguese, English, Spanish, and Italian
Cristiano Ronaldo is known not just for his soccer skills but also for his impressive language abilities. He can speak Portuguese, English, Spanish, and Italian. This talent helps him connect with fans and teammates from different parts of the world.
Portuguese is his native language, as he was born in Madeira, Portugal. He speaks it fluently and comfortably.
During his time at Manchester United, Ronaldo learned to speak English fluently. His English skills have made him popular in interviews and commercials.
When Ronaldo played for Real Madrid, he perfected his Spanish. His Spanish is so good that he often gives press conferences in the language.
Although he understands Italian well, Ronaldo prefers speaking other languages. He picked up Italian during his time at Juventus, helping him communicate with teammates and fans.
Ronaldo’s ability to speak these languages shows his dedication and adaptability. His multilingual skills make him a true global athlete and allow him to bridge cultural gaps effortlessly.
17. Once removed Coke bottles during a press conference
Cristiano Ronaldo made headlines during a Euro 2020 press conference. He moved two Coca-Cola bottles out of sight and held up a bottle of water instead.
He then encouraged people to drink water, saying “Agua,” which means water in Portuguese.
This unexpected move had a significant impact. Coca-Cola’s market value dropped by $4 billion soon after. Ronaldo’s actions received praise from health advocates for promoting a healthier lifestyle.
His gesture demonstrated how influential celebrities can be. For a detailed account, visit this CBS News article.
18. Scored a hat-trick in the 2018 FIFA World Cup against Spain
Cristiano Ronaldo achieved a remarkable feat during the 2018 FIFA World Cup. He scored a hat-trick against Spain on June 15, 2018. This match took place during the group stage in Russia.
At age 33, Ronaldo became the oldest player in World Cup history to score a hat-trick. His incredible performance kept Portugal’s hopes alive. Each goal showcased his skill and determination.
The game ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw. Ronaldo scored a free-kick in the final minutes, securing the tie for Portugal. This moment is remembered as one of the most iconic in World Cup history.
Fans worldwide still talk about Ronaldo’s amazing hat-trick against Spain. You can watch clips of this historic match from various sources like Fox Sports and YouTube.
19. Oldest player to score a hat-trick in World Cup history
Cristiano Ronaldo made history in the 2018 World Cup. At the age of 33 years and 130 days, he became the oldest player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup match.
Ronaldo scored his hat-trick during a thrilling game against Spain. The final score was 3-3, with all three of Portugal’s goals coming from the legendary forward.
His third goal was a stunning free-kick that sailed past the Spanish goalkeeper. This performance further cemented his status as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
For more details, check out the information on List of FIFA World Cup hat-tricks.
20. Was diagnosed with a racing heart at 15
When Cristiano Ronaldo was just 15 years old, he faced a serious challenge. He was diagnosed with a condition called Tachycardia, which made his heart beat unusually fast even when he was at rest. This could have forced him to stop playing football.
Doctors performed a laser surgery to correct the problem. During the procedure, they used a laser to cauterize the affected area of his heart. This surgery was crucial for his future in sports.
After his surgery, Ronaldo made a full recovery. He returned to the field and continued his training. His determination and swift recovery from this condition highlight his resilience and commitment to football.
Frustration could have overtaken many young athletes in his position, but not Ronaldo. He used this experience to fuel his passion for the sport. Today, he is not just another player; he is a global icon whose career might have ended before it even began.
It’s incredible to think that a young Ronaldo, who many now know as CR7, could have been forced to retire before he even started his professional journey. Thankfully, the surgery was a success, and his heart condition did not stop him from achieving greatness.