| Full Name | Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro |
| Profession | Professional Footballer |
| Date of Birth | February 5, 1985 |
| Birthplace | Funchal, Madeira, Portugal |
| Nationality | Portuguese |
| Years Active | 2002–present |
| Known For | Manchester United, Real Madrid, Portugal national team |
Cristiano Ronaldo is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of his generation, with a career built across four major European clubs and Portugal’s national team, and a run of individual and team honours that few players in the sport’s history can match.
Early Life
Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro was born February 5, 1985, in Funchal, on the Portuguese island of Madeira, the youngest of four children of Dinis Aveiro, an equipment manager for a local football club, and Dolores Aveiro, a cook. He joined local youth football early and moved through Madeira clubs Andorinha and Nacional before signing with Sporting CP’s academy in 1997.
Career Beginnings
Ronaldo made his professional debut for Sporting CP in 2002. His performances there drew the attention of Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, and Ronaldo signed with the club in 2003 at age 18.
Major Clubs and Achievements
At Manchester United (2003–2009), Ronaldo won multiple Premier League titles and a UEFA Champions League title, along with his first Ballon d’Or in 2008. He then moved to Real Madrid (2009–2018), where he became the club’s all-time leading scorer and won four further Champions League titles, before spells at Juventus (2018–2021) and a return to Manchester United (2021–2022). He has played for Al-Nassr since 2023 and has continued to represent Portugal’s national team, which he captains.
| Full Name | Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro |
| Born | February 5, 1985 – Funchal, Madeira, Portugal |
| Profession | Professional Footballer (Forward) |
| Years Active | 2002–present |
| Known For | Manchester United, Real Madrid, Portugal national team |
| Notable Awards | 5 Ballon d’Or awards (2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017) |
Club Career
| 2002–2003 | Sporting CP |
| 2003–2009 | Manchester United |
| 2009–2018 | Real Madrid |
| 2018–2021 | Juventus |
| 2021–2022 | Manchester United |
| 2023–present | Al-Nassr |
Records
Ronaldo became the first player to win a major domestic league title in England, Spain and Italy, and in 2024 he became the first men’s player to reach 900 official career goals. At the 2026 World Cup he became the first male footballer to score in six different World Cup tournaments.
Legacy
With five Ballon d’Or awards and a scoring record unmatched in the modern game, Ronaldo is consistently ranked among the greatest players in football history.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Ballon d’Or awards has Cristiano Ronaldo won?
Five — in 2008, 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2017.
Which clubs has Cristiano Ronaldo played for?
Sporting CP, Manchester United (two spells), Real Madrid, Juventus, and Al-Nassr.
Where was Cristiano Ronaldo born?
In Funchal, on the Portuguese island of Madeira, on February 5, 1985.
