Birth Name
Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro
Nickname
Cris
Ron
Ronnie
The Sultan Of The Stepover
Height
6' 0½" (1.84 m)
Mini Biography
Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro was born on February 5, 1985, in Madeira, Portugal to Maria Dolores dos Santos Aveiro and José Diniz Aveiro. Cristiano has an elder brother, Hugo and two elder sisters, Elma and Liliana Cátia. His name was inspired by the former US-president, Ronald Reagan, whom his father was influenced by.
The island of Madeira was also the place where Cristiano first learned to master his skills as a soccer player. He spent his early years playing for his local team, Nacional, and by the time he turned 12 years old, he already made his name for himself as one of Madeira's top soccer player. It wasn't long before he started to catch the attention of other big Portuguese clubs. Among them were Porto and Boavista, however he eventually chose to play for Sporting which was a team he followed while growing up.
He was then spotted by former Liverpool manager, Gerard Houllier at the age of sixteen but Liverpool had no intentions to sign him at that time because they thought he was too young and he needed more time to develop his skills. However, in the summer of 2003, when Sporting played against Manchester United and defeated them, Cristiano caught the attention of Manchester United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson.
Ronaldo became Manchester United's first-ever Portuguese player. Initially, he requested for the number 28 as his jersey number because he didn't feel that he could live up to the pressure of previous players such as George Best and David Beckham who wore the number 7 jersey.
The year 2006 to 2008 proved to be a rather controversial year for the star. In the 2006 World Cup, Cristiano faced accusations regarding his sportsmanship. In a quarter-final match against England, he was heavily criticized for sending of his club team mate, Wayne Rooney who was playing for the England team. It wasn't too long until fans started accepting Cristiano again. In 2007, he won PFA Young Player of the Year, PFA Player of the Year, PFA Fans' Player of the Year, Portuguese Footballer of the Year, FWA Footballer of the Year, Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year and Manchester United's Players' Player of the Year. The year 2008 also saw him taking back the PFA Player Of The Year Award for the second time running. That same year, Ronaldo also had to deal with controversies regarding his club transfer to Spanish giants, Real Madrid. He eventually chose to stay with Manchester United and stressed to the public that he had no intentions of leaving the club.
Cristiano now lives with his cousin, Nuno and his brother in law Ze. When he is not on the field, he is a very family oriented person. Growing up, when he was about to choose soccer as his career, he said that it was very difficult for him as that would mean lesser time with his family, especially his mother, whom he says play a major role in his life.
During his free time, Cristiano enjoys cooking. He mentioned in an interview that he usually cooks before he leaves for his soccer practice. Because he is constantly training, Cristiano rarely has time to watch TV. If he does get the time to watch, he says he loves watching one of the local Portuguese game show which is mostly about trivia questions. Cristiano is an avid learner and he takes interest in learning new things everyday. Among Cristiano's biggest pet peeves are smoking, people who don't make an effort and dishonesty.
When the tsunami hit South East Asia, Cristiano flew to Indonesia to help those in need. He auctioned off a few stuff to help raise funds for charity. He hopes to get involved in more charity projects in the future because he believes his star status will help him reach out to others for help.
IMDb Mini Biography By: Anastasia Andrew Veno
Trade Mark
Much known for his fancy flicks and stepovers.
Trivia
Became the most expensive teenager in Britain in 2003.
His idol is Luis Figo.
Was selected for the Portuguese Olympic football team for 2004.
Wears the number 7 shirt.
Signed by Manchester United from Sporting Lisbon in August 2003 for an initial £12,240,000.
Scored the first goal in the 2004 FA Cup Final against Millwall FC.
Made his full Manchester United debut against Wolves in August 2003.
Scored 2 goals that helped Manchester United beat Arsenal 4-2 at Highbury.
Has appeared in a Suzuki TV advert.
Voted player of the 2003/04 season.
His father named him after former American President Ronald Reagan.
He was the first ever Portugese Manchester United player.
His parents names are Maria Dolores dos Santos Aveiro and Jose Diniz Aveiro.
Has been criticized many times for diving in the penalty area.
Has appeared in several Nike adverts.
Before joining Manchester United he played against them for Sporting Lisbon weeks later he was signed by Manchester United.
Sporting Lisbon signed him up for their schoolboy team at the age of 13 for £1,500.
He was born into a poor family on the Portuguese island of Madeira off the Morrocan coast.
Was signed by Manchester United as a long term replacement for David Beckham.
He is a very big idol in his hometown Madeira.
Made his international debut for Portugal against Kazakhstan in August 2003.
Scored his first Manchester United goal against Portsmouth FC at Old Trafford.
Starting playing for his local football side Nacional.
Signed a new five year contract with Manchester United. [2005]
His father passed away while he was on international duty in Russia.
In the first ever FIFPro awards was voted the special young player of the year award.
After playing against Manchester United in a pre-season friendly the Manchester United players urged the manager to sign Cristiano on the the plane back to Manchester.
Bought a £1.5 million pound mansion in Cheshire which was previously owned by 3 former Manchester United players.
Drives a silver Porsche.
Flew to Indonesia to visit the areas affected by the tsunami and raised over 1 billion rupiah by auctioning off his personal sports gear.
Grew up with his brother and 2 sisters.
Scored Manchester United's 1,000th league goal against Middlesbrough FC.
Wears the number 17 shirt whenever he plays for Portugal.
Was named in the UEFA Team of the year 2004.
Signed a new two year extension with Manchester United. [2005]
Ended the 2004/05 season making 50 appearances and scoring 9 goals.
His career honors include FA Cup winner (2004) Euro 2004 finalist (2004) UEFA Team of the Year (2004) FA Cup finalist (2005) FIFPro Special Young Player of the Year (2005)
Cristiano was first spotted by former Liverpool F.C manager 'Gerard Houllier' at the age of 16.
Cristiano drives a red Ferrari 435.
League Cup Winner 2006.
Was named the PFA's player of the month for March. (April 2006)
Ended the 2005/06 season making 37 appearances 10 as a sub and scoring a season best for Manchester united with 12 goals.
His house was robbed. Among the things that got stolen were his jewellery and his car.
Is of Moroccon descent.
In 2007, he won: PFA Young Player of the Year, PFA Player of the Year, PFA Fans' Player of the Year (Premiership), Portuguese Footballer of the Year, FWA Footballer of the Year, Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year and Manchester United's Players' Player of the Year.
Was "Public Enemy no.1" with English football fans after his part in Wayne Rooney's sending off against Portugal, in the World Cup quarter finals.
Not only does he know Portuguese but Spanish and English, as well.
Personal Quotes
I would be very proud if, one day, I'm held in the same esteem as George Best or Beckham. It's what I'm working hard towards.
Lots of young players have triumphed at United, so why can't it happen to me? I'm not worried I'm young - it's an incentive to do the best I can.
The No 7 shirt is an honor and a responsibility. I hope it brings me a lot of luck.
There is no harm in dreaming of becoming the world's best player. It is all about trying to be the best. I will keep working hard to achieve it but it is within my capabilities.
I've never tried to hide the fact that it is my intention to be the best
Maybe they hate me because I'm too good!
Where Are They Now
(August 2003) Playing for Manchester United FC
(August 2005) Starting his third season playing for Manchester United FC.
(August 2007) Starting his 5th season at Manchester United.
(June 2009) Manchester United accepts an unconditional offer of $131 million for Ronaldo from Real Madrid, a record fee for one player.
(June 2010) From June 11, 2010 - July 11, 2010 FIFA World Cup 2010 in South Africa
