Portuguese · Funchal, Madeira · Born 5 February 1985Portuguese footballer widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, five-time Ballon d'Or winner and all-time international top scorer.
Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro was born in Funchal, Madeira in 1985 and began at Sporting CP (2001–2003) before joining Manchester United at 18 for £12.24 million. His first United spell (2003–2009) produced 3 Premier League titles and the 2008 Champions League. He moved to Real Madrid (2009–2018) for a then world-record €94 million, scoring 450 goals in 438 appearances — the most by any player for a single European club — and winning 4 Champions Leagues. After Juventus (2018–2021) and a second United spell (2021–2022), he joined Al Nassr in 2023. His career statistics are staggering: 900+ goals and 250+ assists in 1,200+ appearances. For Portugal he has earned 221 caps — the world record — scoring 135 international goals, also the world record for men's football. He scored 61 professional hat-tricks and won 5 Ballon d'Or awards. His 5 Champions League titles include 4 with Real Madrid. His top speed of 38.6 km/h — recorded at Manchester United — is among the fastest ever measured for an outfield player. He covers 10.6 km per game, among the highest distances for a forward. His dedication to physical conditioning, maintaining elite performance into his late thirties, is as remarkable as any individual statistic. Ronaldo finally broke his trophy duck in Saudi Arabia in the 2025-26 season, scoring 37 goals at almost a goal a game as Al-Nassr won the Saudi Pro League title - his first silverware in the kingdom - before leading Portugal at the 2026 World Cup at the age of 41.
All-time leading goalscorer in football history
He has been tracked sprinting at 34 km/h — faster than any outfield player in Champions League history.
Did You Know?How They Played
Complete forward with pace, power, aerial ability, and clinical finishing from all ranges
Lasting Impact
Greatest goalscorer of all time, transformed modern football with athleticism and longevity
Career Honours
- UEFA Champions League 5x (2008, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018)
- Premier League 3x
- La Liga 2x
- Serie A 2x
- Ballon d'Or 5x (2008, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017)
- UEFA European Championship 2016 (Portugal)
- UEFA Nations League 2019 (Portugal)
- FIFA Club World Cup 4x
- FA Cup
- Nations League 2019
- Saudi Pro League champion (2026)
| Club | Period | Fee | Apps | Goals | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sporting CP | 2002–2003 | — | 25 | 5 | #28 |
| Manchester United | 2003–2009 | £12.24 million | 292 | 145 | #7 |
| Real Madrid | 2009–2018 | £80 million | 438 | 450 | #7 |
| Juventus | 2018–2021 | £99.2 million | 134 | 101 | #7 |
| Al Nassr | 2023–present | €200 million | 0 | 0 | — |
 Portugal | — | — | 221 | 135 | — |
Portuguese Athletes