Cristiano Ronaldo: A Legend’s Journey – 39 Years of Football Excellence and Remarkable Feats

Celebrating his 39th birthday on February 5th, 1985, the iconic Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo has left an indelible mark on the world of football. Making his debut at just 16 with Sporting Lisbon in 2003, Ronaldo has continued to dominate the sport for an impressive 21 years.

As the top-scorer in 2023 with 54 goals, surpassing stars like Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe, Ronaldo’s prowess on the field remains unmatched. Let’s delve into some intriguing facts about this European champion:

1. Interest from Liverpool and Arsenal

During a pre-season friendly in 2003 with Manchester United, Ronaldo caught the eye, ultimately joining the club. Notably, Liverpool and Arsenal were also keen, but his wage demands led to a missed opportunity for the Reds.

2. The CR7 Galaxy

In 2015, astronomers discovered a galaxy named Cosmos Redshift 7 (CR7), deliberately named after Cristiano Ronaldo. The connection between the footballer and the cosmic discovery was confirmed by the researchers.

3. University Course on Ronaldo

In an unusual turn of events, the University of British Columbia Okanagan in Canada offered a sociology course centered on Cristiano Ronaldo’s life in 2015, showcasing the global impact of the footballer.

4. Cristiano Ronaldo Airport

In a unique honor, the Madeira Airport in Portugal was renamed Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport in 2016. The rebranded terminal was officially unveiled in 2017, commemorating the football legend.


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5. Sold Ballon d’Or for Charity

Known for his philanthropy, Ronaldo sold a replica of one of his Ballon d’Or awards in 2017, raising an impressive £600,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.


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Apart from these fascinating facts, Ronaldo boasts an exceptional career, playing for football giants like Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus. With 205 international caps and 140 goals for Portugal, he is a record-holder in both categories. Across his career, Ronaldo achieved remarkable success, winning the Ballon d’Or five times and numerous UEFA Champions League titles. His legacy extends beyond the field, marked by charitable endeavors and a commitment to social causes.