Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro, universally known as Cristiano Ronaldo or by his iconic moniker CR7, is a Portuguese professional footballer and a prominent global entrepreneur. Celebrated as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport, he has captivated audiences worldwide with his unparalleled skill, athleticism, and prolific goal-scoring ability. Beyond the pitch, Ronaldo has built an extensive commercial empire, transforming himself into a highly influential brand and a successful businessman.
Cristiano Ronaldo Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro |
| Date of Birth | February 5, 1985 |
| Age (as of August 2025) | 40 years old |
| Birthplace | Funchal, Madeira, Portugal |
| Nationality | Portuguese |
| Height | 1.87 m (6 ft 1 in – 6 ft 2 in) |
| Profession | Professional Footballer, Entrepreneur |
| Current Club | Al-Nassr (Saudi Pro League) |
| Position | Forward (primarily Centre-Forward) |
| Parents | Maria Dolores dos Santos Viveiros Aveiro (Mother), José Dinis Aveiro (Father) |
| Siblings | Hugo (Brother), Elma (Sister), Liliana Cátia “Katia” (Sister) |
| Partner | Georgina Rodríguez (engaged as of August 2024) |
| Children | Cristiano Jr., Mateo, Eva, Alana Martina, Bella Esmeralda (five children) |
| Estimated Net Worth (as of 2025) | $1.45 billion |
Early Life and Education of Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro was born on February 5, 1985, in Funchal, the capital of Madeira, Portugal, and grew up in the nearby parish of Santo António. He is the youngest of four children born to Maria Dolores dos Santos Viveiros Aveiro, a cook, and José Dinis Aveiro, a municipal gardener and part-time kit man for the local football club Andorinha. Ronaldo was named after former U.S. President Ronald Reagan, one of his father’s favorite actors.
Growing up in a largely working-class neighborhood, Ronaldo’s childhood was marked by modest means, with the family sharing a small, tin-roofed home overlooking the ocean. His passion for football was evident from a very young age, as he was introduced to the sport by his father. His godfather, Fernao Sousa, recalled that “All he wanted to do as a boy was play football” and he would often miss meals or sneak out of his bedroom window with a ball to play when he was supposed to be doing homework.
Ronaldo began his youth career with local amateur team Andorinha from 1992 to 1995, where his father worked as the kit man. He then moved to Nacional, another local club, for two years. By his early teens, Ronaldo’s exceptional talent had become clear. In 1997, at the age of 12, he underwent a three-day trial with Sporting Clube de Portugal (Sporting CP) and subsequently moved from Madeira to Lisbon to join their youth system for a fee of £1,500. At age 14, believing he had the potential to play semi-professionally, Ronaldo and his mother agreed for him to cease his formal education to fully concentrate on football.
During his time in the Sporting CP academy, Ronaldo faced challenges, including being expelled from school at age 14 for throwing a chair at a teacher whom he felt had disrespected him. At age 15, he was diagnosed with a heart condition called Tachycardia, which required surgery, but he made a full recovery and was only sidelined briefly. This early period of his life laid the foundation for his formidable work ethic and determination, shaping the future global icon.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Career
Youth and Early Professional Career (1992-2003)
Cristiano Ronaldo’s journey to football superstardom began with his local youth clubs. After playing for Andorinha (1992-1995) and Nacional (1995-1997), he joined Sporting CP’s youth academy in 1997. His rapid development saw him become the only player in the club’s history to play for their U16, U17, U18, B-team, and first team all within a single season. At 16, he was promoted to Sporting CP’s first team by manager László Bölöni, making his official senior debut at 17 on August 14, 2002, in a UEFA Champions League qualifying match against Inter Milan.
Manchester United (2003-2009)
Ronaldo’s mesmerizing performance in a friendly match against Manchester United in August 2003 caught the eye of manager Sir Alex Ferguson and United players, who urged their manager to sign him. On August 12, 2003, Manchester United signed Cristiano Ronaldo for a fee of £12 million, which was a record for a teenager in English football at the time. He made an impressive debut as a substitute against Bolton Wanderers, earning praise and a standing ovation. During his first spell at Old Trafford, Ronaldo evolved into a world-class attacker, winning three consecutive Premier League titles (2006-07, 2007-08, 2008-09), the UEFA Champions League in 2008, and the FIFA Club World Cup. His exceptional performances culminated in him winning his first Ballon d’Or in 2008.
Real Madrid (2009-2018)
In 2009, Ronaldo made a historic move to Real Madrid for a then-world record transfer fee of £80 million (€94 million). His presentation at the Santiago Bernabéu drew at least 80,000 fans, a record surpassing Diego Maradona’s welcome at Napoli. Initially wearing the number 9 shirt, he inherited the iconic number 7 after Raúl’s departure in 2010. Over nine seasons, Ronaldo cemented his legacy as Real Madrid’s all-time leading goal scorer, netting an astonishing 450 goals in 438 competitive appearances, averaging over a goal per game. He was instrumental in the club’s success, securing two La Liga titles, including a record-breaking 100-point season in 2011-12. Most notably, he was integral to Real Madrid winning four UEFA Champions League titles in a five-year span, including La Décima in 2014, and becoming The first player to score in three Champions League finals. During this period, he won four more Ballon d’Or awards (2013, 2014, 2016, and 2017), solidifying his status as one of football’s greats.
Juventus (2018-2021)
In 2018, Cristiano Ronaldo transferred to Italian club Juventus for an initial fee of €100 million, becoming the highest-paid player in Italy. He continued his prolific scoring, winning two Serie A titles and all major honors in Italian football during his three seasons with the club. On December 2, 2020, he scored his 750th senior career goal in a Champions League group stage match against Dynamo Kyiv.
Return to Manchester United (2021-2022)
Ronaldo made an emotional return to Manchester United in 2021. In the 2021-2022 Premier League season, he scored 18 goals. His second stint, however, concluded in November 2022.
Al-Nassr (2023-Present)
In January 2023, Cristiano Ronaldo signed with Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr, reportedly receiving the highest football salary in history. In June 2025, he extended his contract with Al-Nassr through June 2027, a deal valued at approximately $620 million over two years, solidifying his role as the face of Saudi Arabian football. As of September 5, 2024, playing for Portugal, Ronaldo became the first men’s player to score 900 career goals across international and club play. He continues to play as a forward, primarily as a centre-forward for the club, wearing his iconic number 7 jersey.
International Career
Cristiano Ronaldo made his international debut for the Portugal national team in August 2003 at the age of 18. He scored his first international goal at Euro 2004, where he helped Portugal reach the final and was named to the team of the tournament. He became the full-time captain of the national team in 2008. Ronaldo led Portugal to their first major international tournament title, winning the UEFA European Championship in 2016. He also helped Portugal secure the UEFA Nations League championship in 2019. With over 200 caps, he is history’s most-capped male player. At the 2022 World Cup, he achieved another milestone by becoming the first male player to score a goal in five different World Cups.
Cristiano Ronaldo Personal Life & Family
Cristiano Ronaldo’s personal life has often been in the public eye, yet he maintains a close bond with his family. He is the youngest of four children to Maria Dolores dos Santos Viveiros Aveiro and José Dinis Aveiro. His father, José Dinis Aveiro, passed away in 2005 from alcohol-related kidney problems, a loss that profoundly affected Ronaldo, who was close to him. This experience has notably influenced Ronaldo’s lifestyle, as he abstains from alcohol.
Ronaldo is a father to five children. His eldest son, Cristiano Jr., was born in June 2010. He later welcomed twins, Eva and Mateo, via surrogacy. Since 2016, Ronaldo has been in a relationship with Argentine-born Spanish model and influencer Georgina Rodríguez. Together, they have two daughters, Alana Martina, born in 2017, and Bella Esmeralda, born in 2022. As of August 2024, Ronaldo sparked engagement rumors by referring to Georgina as “his wife” in an Instagram collaboration, with Georgina also revealing an engagement ring. The couple shares responsibility for all their children.
Ronaldo maintains a strict fitness regimen, which is central to his lifestyle. An interesting fact about Cristiano Ronaldo is that he does not have tattoos, a deliberate choice so that he can regularly donate blood without waiting periods. He has also donated bone marrow, reflecting his commitment to charitable endeavors. Growing up in a Roman Catholic family, faith has been a part of his background. Despite his immense fame and wealth, Ronaldo has stated that money no longer motivates him as it once did, particularly given his humble beginnings.
Awards and Achievements of Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo’s career is decorated with an unparalleled collection of individual and team honors, solidifying his status as one of the most decorated footballers in history. His trophy cabinet reflects consistent excellence across multiple leagues and international competitions.
Individual Awards:
- Ballon d’Or: 5 times (2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017)
- The Best FIFA Men’s Player: 2 times (2016, 2017)
- FIFA World Player of the Year: 1 time (2008)
- European Golden Shoe: 4 times
- UEFA Men’s Player of the Year Award: 3 times
- Pichichi (La Liga Top Scorer): 3 times
- Champions League Top Scorer: Record 7 times (including 5 consecutive)
Club Trophies:
Sporting CP:
- Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira: 1 time (2002)
Manchester United:
- Premier League: 3 times (2006-07, 2007-08, 2008-09)
- FA Cup: 1 time (2004)
- Football League Cup: 2 times (2006, 2009)
- UEFA Champions League: 1 time (2007-08)
- FIFA Club World Cup: 1 time (2008)
- Community Shield: 1 time (2007)
Real Madrid:
- La Liga: 2 times (2011-12, 2016-17)
- Copa del Rey: 2 times (2011, 2014)
- Supercopa de España: 2 times (2012, 2017)
- UEFA Champions League: 4 times (2013-14, 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18)
- UEFA Super Cup: 2 times (2014, 2017)
- FIFA Club World Cup: 3 times (2014, 2016, 2017)
Juventus:
- Serie A: 2 times (2018-19, 2019-20)
- Coppa Italia: 1 time (2021)
- Supercoppa Italiana: 2 times (2018, 2020)
Al-Nassr:
- Arab Club Champions Cup: 1 time (2023)
International Trophies (Portugal):
- UEFA European Championship (Euro): 1 time (2016)
- UEFA Nations League: 1 time (2019)
Records:
- Most goals scored in UEFA club competitions (100 goals)
- All-time top scorer in top five European leagues (surpassing Jimmy Greaves)
- Real Madrid’s all-time leading goalscorer (450 goals)
- Most goals in a single UEFA Champions League season (17 goals in 2013-14)
- Most international goals by a male player (over 111 as of September 2021)
- First male player to score in five FIFA World Cups (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022)
- First men’s player to score 900 career goals across international and club play (as of September 2024)
Cristiano Ronaldo Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Cristiano Ronaldo’s net worth is estimated to be around $1.45 billion, making him one of the wealthiest athletes globally. He officially became a billionaire in June 2025, a significant milestone achieved upon signing a massive contract extension with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr. This achievement makes him the first active team-sport athlete to earn over $1 billion in his career earnings.
Ronaldo’s immense fortune is derived from a combination of his lucrative club contracts, extensive brand endorsement deals, and successful business ventures. His latest contract extension with Al-Nassr, signed in June 2025 and running through June 2027, is considered the most lucrative deal in sports history. Reports indicate this two-year agreement is worth approximately £492 million (about $620 million), encompassing a base salary of £178 million per year, a signing bonus, performance incentives, and even a 15% ownership stake in Al-Nassr. If all bonuses and commercial deals are realized, the total value could exceed $936 million.
Beyond his football salary, Ronaldo’s income is substantially boosted by his prolific endorsement portfolio. His most significant and long-standing partnership is a lifetime deal with Nike, estimated to be worth over $1 billion, which began in 2003. He also has major endorsement deals with global brands such as Herbalife (since 2013), Clear Shampoo and Tag Heuer (since 2014), American Tourister (since 2018), DAZN, Binance, Jacob & Co, Louis Vuitton, ZujuGP, UFL, MTG, and WHOOP. In 2025, he became the Global Brand Ambassador for the Esports World Cup. These partnerships significantly contribute to his wealth, with approximately $50 million of his net worth stemming from endorsements and sponsorships. CNN reported in 2023 that he earns an average of $3.23 million per sponsored post on Instagram, making him the most expensive person on the platform.
Cristiano Ronaldo is also a shrewd businessman, having diversified his income through various ventures under his personal brand, CR7. His business empire includes:
- CR7 Fashion Line: Launched in 2013, it encompasses clothing (pants, denim), footwear, eyewear, and fragrances (Cristiano Ronaldo Legacy perfume with Eden Parfums). He also owns a lingerie company and has a joint venture for CR7 Blankets.
- Pestana CR7 Lifestyle Hotels: A joint venture with Pestana Hotel Group, with locations in Funchal (Madeira), Lisbon, Madrid, and Marrakech.
- CR7 Fitness by Crunch: A chain of gyms launched in 2017 in collaboration with Crunch Franchise, promoting health and fitness.
- Insparya Hair Clinics: Co-founded by Ronaldo, these clinics specialize in hair transplants, with branches in Spain and Portugal.
- Real Estate: Ronaldo has an impressive property portfolio worldwide.
- Private Jet Rental: He owns a private jet rental business.
- Restaurants: He holds a stake in Grupo Mabel Capital, the company behind the elite restaurant Zela.
- Health and Wellness: Includes mineral water brand URSU, fitness and wellness app Erakulis, and athlete recovery program AVA.
His business acumen, coupled with his unparalleled athletic career, has enabled Cristiano Ronaldo to build a monumental fortune and a lasting legacy beyond football.
Legacy and Influence
Cristiano Ronaldo’s legacy extends far beyond his remarkable goal-scoring records and trophy haul; he has profoundly influenced modern football and global sports culture. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, alongside Lionel Messi, he has shattered numerous records, redefined longevity in football, and set new benchmarks for athletic performance and dedication. His relentless pursuit of excellence and competitive drive have inspired millions worldwide.
Off the pitch, Ronaldo is a global brand powerhouse, transforming himself into one of the most marketable athletes in history. His iconic “CR7” brand is synonymous with success, hard work, and excellence, resonating deeply with consumers and brands alike. He has demonstrated exceptional entrepreneurial foresight, building a diverse business empire that includes fashion, hospitality, fitness, and health clinics. This expansion into various industries showcases his understanding of brand leverage and diversification.
Ronaldo’s social contributions and public image are also significant. While his primary focus has been on his professional career, his actions, such as abstaining from tattoos to facilitate regular blood donations and also donating bone marrow, highlight a commitment to philanthropy. His global appeal and immense social media presence give him a unique platform to influence public opinion and promote various causes. He serves as a role model for aspiring athletes, demonstrating that dedication, discipline, and a strong personal brand can lead to extraordinary success both in sports and business. The “Ronaldo Effect” on advertising and branding is well-documented, showing his ability to transform products into global phenomena through his endorsements. His continued presence at the top of the highest-paid athlete lists, even at 40, further cements his enduring influence and economic power.
Interesting Facts about Cristiano Ronaldo
- Nickname “Cry Baby”: As a child, Cristiano Ronaldo was reportedly nicknamed “cry baby” because he would often cry when he passed the ball and his teammates didn’t score.
- No Tattoos for Blood Donation: Ronaldo famously does not have any tattoos, a deliberate choice he made so he could regularly donate blood without the waiting periods required after getting new ink. He has also donated bone marrow.
- Exceptional Jumping Ability: Ronaldo is renowned for his incredible aerial prowess. In 2019, he scored a header for Juventus against Sampdoria where he reportedly reached a height of 8ft 5in (2.56 meters). His jump is said to be five times the power of a cheetah in full flight.
- Named After a President: His second given name, “Ronaldo,” was chosen by his father in honor of then-U.S. President Ronald Reagan, who was one of his father’s favorite actors.
- First Active Billionaire Athlete: In 2020, Cristiano Ronaldo became the first active team-sport athlete to earn over $1 billion in his career earnings from salary and endorsements.
- Museum Dedicated to Him: In December 2013, Ronaldo opened his own museum, Museu CR7, in his hometown of Funchal, Madeira, which houses all of his trophies and awards.
- Expelled from School: At age 14, he was expelled from school for throwing a chair at a teacher whom he felt had disrespected him.
Controversies
Throughout his high-profile career, Cristiano Ronaldo has faced certain challenges and controversies. One notable incident from his early life includes being expelled from school at the age of 14 for throwing a chair at a teacher. This event highlights an early struggle with temper that he reportedly learned to manage as he matured.
A significant personal challenge was the passing of his father, José Dinis Aveiro, in 2005 due to alcohol-related kidney problems. His father’s battle with alcoholism was a difficult aspect of Ronaldo’s childhood and personal life. Ronaldo has openly spoken about how this experience led him to abstain from alcohol himself.
While the nature of his global fame has sometimes brought intense media scrutiny and speculation regarding his personal relationships and finances, information within the provided search results focuses on his verified career milestones, family life, and business ventures rather than specific, ongoing legal or ethical controversies beyond those mentioned above.
Social Media Presence
Cristiano Ronaldo boasts an unparalleled social media presence, solidifying his status as one of the most followed individuals globally across various platforms. His digital footprint is immense, reflecting his widespread appeal and influence beyond the football pitch.
- Instagram: As of August 2025, Cristiano Ronaldo is the most followed person on Instagram, with a staggering 662 million followers. Each of his posts typically garners millions of likes and thousands of comments, demonstrating his powerful engagement with his global fanbase. He is also reported to be the most expensive person on the platform for sponsored posts, earning an average of $3.23 million per post as of 2023.
- Overall Presence: By February 2021, Ronaldo became the first person to reach 500 million followers combined across Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter). This collective following further expanded to an incredible 939 million by May 2025.
His social media channels serve not only as a platform for personal updates and brand endorsements but also as a direct line of communication with his supporters, contributing significantly to his enduring marketability and cultural impact.
Final Words about Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo’s journey from a humble upbringing in Madeira to becoming a global phenomenon is a testament to his extraordinary talent, relentless dedication, and unwavering ambition. As of August 2025, he continues to play professional football as a forward for Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr, a move that secured him the highest football salary in history and saw his contract extended through June 2027. At 40 years old, he maintains an elite level of performance, exemplified by his recent achievement of scoring 900 career goals.
His legacy in football is firmly cemented as one of the greatest players of all time, characterized by five Ballon d’Or awards, multiple Champions League titles, league championships across three major European leagues, and a European Championship with Portugal. Beyond his on-field brilliance, Cristiano Ronaldo has redefined what it means to be a modern athlete, transforming himself into a global brand and a successful entrepreneur. His CR7 empire, spanning hotels, fashion, fitness, and health clinics, showcases his astute business acumen and foresight.
Ronaldo’s influence extends far beyond sports, making him a cultural icon with an unmatched social media presence that connects him with nearly a billion followers worldwide. His career is a compelling narrative of overcoming adversity, achieving unparalleled success through hard work, and building a lasting impact that transcends generations and industries. The trajectory of his career, combined with his entrepreneurial ventures and vast global following, ensures that the name Cristiano Ronaldo will continue to resonate as a symbol of sporting greatness and commercial ingenuity for years to come.