History of Cristiano Ronaldo's Soccer Career
By: Jonatan Campos
Born in the Portuguese island of Madeira, Cristiano Ronaldo lived his childhood with many difficulties and limitations. Now, with 35 years, he has made a legacy that has led him to become a role model of what hard work means. Even though his family did not have many resources initially, Ronaldo realized a hidden gift would take him beyond dreaming.
At the age of eight, he already played soccer for Androrinha's youth team in his hometown to suddenly, at 14, life changed completely for him. What was a hobby became more serious, while still playing with Androrinha, he was spotted by Clube Desportivo Nacional; a bigger club located in his hometown. The dedication and desire he had taken him to the spotlight of Sporting CP, one of the biggest teams in Portugal.
Ronaldo's stage in Sporting CP consisted of being at all levels within the youth team to then, at the age of 16, Goal.com has registered that "he made his first-team debut on Oct. 7, 2002, scoring two goals in a 3-0 win over Moreirense in the Primeira Liga." In 2003, his life's opportunity arrived; his club, Sporting CP, played a UEFA Champions League match against Manchester United. Sir Alex Ferguson put his eyes on the young Ronaldo, and the following season recruited him.
Playing in the English Premier League made a youth Ronaldo become one of the biggest promises; the supporters expected that the skillful Portuguese right-wing would be the leader of such a big club as Manchester United.
While Ronaldo was part of the Red Devils, he played 196 games, scoring a total of 84 goals to win three Premier Leagues, one Champions League, one FIFA Club World Cup, one FA Cup, two English Cup, and three English Super Cup. Individually, in 2008, he won the Ballon D'Or, an award that will confirm him as the world's best player in his 23 years.
Ronaldo called the attention of the Spanish club Real Madrid and a transfer record was given at that time. The then nine times Champions League winners paid $133 million and set a record transfer that made Ronaldo the most expensive player of all times, hoping that he was the chosen one that would lead them to win trophies.
Being in a very different club was not an obstacle for the athlete. From 2009 to 2018, Ronaldo scored 451 goals in 438 games alongside awards as two Spanish Leagues, two Copa del Rey, two Spanish Super Cup, four UEFA Champions League, three UEFA Supercup, and three FIFA Club World Cup.
He kept showing the world that he was one of the best by individually winning four Ballon D'Or and creating a competition with Lionel Messi. Finally, in 2018, he accepted a transfer to Juventus ($117 million), and at his 35 years, he continues extending his legacy. Cristiano Ronaldo is an example of struggling and overcoming, and his numbers support him.