Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Cristiano Ronaldo

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Cristiano Ronaldo

How Cristiano Ronaldo built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Cristiano Ronaldo, nicknamed CR7, is a Portuguese professional footballer widely regarded as one of the greatest of all time. He currently plays for Al Nassr and captains the Portugal national team. His accolades include five Ballon d'Or awards, a record three UEFA Men's Player of the Year Awards, and four European Golden Shoes. Ronaldo has won 33 trophies, including seven league titles, five UEFA Champions Leagues, and the UEFA European Championship. He holds records for most Champions League goals (140) and assists (42), European Championship goals (14) and assists (8), and most international appearances (219) and goals (136). He is one of the few players to exceed 1,200 professional appearances and has scored over 900 official senior career goals, making him the all-time top goalscorer.

1948: Oldest player in European leagues

On 20 July 2020, Ronaldo became the oldest player, at the age of 35 years and 166 days, to score over 30 goals in one of the five top European leagues since Ronnie Rooke with Arsenal in 1948.

1997: Signed with Sporting CP

In 1997, at age 12, Ronaldo signed with Sporting CP.

2000: Last Knockout Game Started

The 2022 World Cup marked the first time since Euro 2000 that Portugal had started a knockout game without Cristiano Ronaldo in the starting line-up at an international tournament.

August 2002: First Official Match for Sporting CP

On 14 August 2002, at age 17, Ronaldo played his first official match for Sporting CP's first team, in a UEFA Champions League qualifying round against Inter Milan.

August 2003: Signed by Manchester United

On 12 August 2003, Manchester United signed Ronaldo for £12 million, an England record for a teenager.

August 2003: Debut for Portugal

On August 20, 2003, at the age of 18, Cristiano Ronaldo made his debut for the Portugal national team as a substitute against Kazakhstan.

2003: Signed with Manchester United

In 2003, Ronaldo began playing for Manchester United, winning the FA Cup in his first season.

2003: International debut for Portugal

In 2003, at the age of 18, Ronaldo made his international debut for Portugal.

May 2004: FA Cup Final Goal and Red Card

On 15 May 2004, Ronaldo scored the opening goal and received the first red card of his career in a victory against Aston Villa. He also scored in United's FA Cup Final win.

2004: First international goal at Euro 2004

In 2004, Ronaldo scored his first international goal at Euro 2004, helping Portugal reach the final and making the team of the tournament.

2004: Support for Tsunami Victims in Aceh

In 2004, after the Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, Cristiano Ronaldo visited Aceh, Indonesia, to raise funds for rehabilitation and reconstruction after seeing an eight-year-old boy survivor wearing a Portuguese football shirt.

2006: CR7 Boutique Opening in Madeira

In 2006, Cristiano Ronaldo opened a fashion boutique under the name CR7 (his initials and shirt number) on the island of Madeira.

2006: Youngest Goalscorer for Portugal at World Cup

In the 2006 FIFA World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo became the youngest ever goalscorer for Portugal at a World Cup finals. He was overlooked for the tournament's Best Young Player award.

2006: FIFA World Cup

In the 2006 FIFA World Cup, Ronaldo was a focal part of the team that finished in fourth place.

February 2007: Captained Portugal for the First Time

On February 6, 2007, Cristiano Ronaldo captained Portugal for the first time in a friendly match against Brazil.

January 2008: First Hat-Trick for Manchester United

In January 2008, Ronaldo scored his first hat-trick for Manchester United in a 6–0 win against Newcastle United.

July 2008: Captaincy of the National Team

In July 2008, Ronaldo assumed captaincy of the Portugal national team ahead of Euro 2008.

2008: Donation to Charity in Madeira

In 2008, Cristiano Ronaldo donated undisclosed damages from a libel case against The Sun newspaper to a charity in Madeira.

2008: CR7 Boutique Opening in Lisbon

In 2008, Cristiano Ronaldo opened a second fashion boutique under the name CR7 in Lisbon.

2008: UEFA Euro 2008

In UEFA Euro 2008, Cristiano Ronaldo wore the number 7 shirt and scored one goal in the finals during Portugal's 3-1 win against the Czech Republic. Portugal were eliminated in the quarter-finals.

2008: Last Started Game

The 2022 World Cup marked the first time since Euro 2008 that Cristiano Ronaldo had not started a game for Portugal in a major international tournament.

2009: Donation to Hospital in Madeira

In 2009, Cristiano Ronaldo donated £100,000 to the hospital in Madeira that saved his mother's life, to help them build a cancer center.

2009: Signed with Real Madrid

In 2009, Ronaldo signed for Real Madrid in a transfer worth €94 million (£80 million).

2010: Trophyless Season

As a result of United finishing in a disappointing sixth place and qualifying for the UEFA Europa League in 2022, Ronaldo went trophyless for the first time since 2010.

2010: 2010 World Cup

During the 2010 World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo scored one goal and was named man of the match in all three group stage matches.

2010: Given No. 7 and Copa del Rey win

In 2010, Ronaldo was given No. 7 for the 2010–11 season and scored 53 goals, helping Madrid win the Copa del Rey against Barcelona. He also became the first player in La Liga to score 40 goals.

2010: Pledge to Play in Charity Match for Madeira Flood Victims

In 2010, in support of the victims of the Madeira flood, Cristiano Ronaldo pledged to play in a charity match in Madeira between Primeira Liga club Porto and players from Madeiran-based clubs Marítimo and Nacional.

December 2011: Heads Up with Cristiano Game Launch

In December 2011, Cristiano Ronaldo launched an iPhone game called Heads Up with Cristiano, created by developer RockLive.

2011: Record-Breaking La Liga Title Win

In the 2011-12 season, Ronaldo won a record-breaking La Liga title.

March 2012: 100th League Goal for Real Madrid

On 24 March 2012, Ronaldo scored his 100th league goal for Real Madrid in a 5–1 win over Real Sociedad, breaking the club record.

December 2012: Joins FIFA's "11 for Health" Programme

In December 2012, Cristiano Ronaldo joined FIFA's "11 for Health" program to raise awareness among kids about avoiding drug addiction, HIV, malaria, and obesity.

2012: Champions League Top Scorer

Between 2012 and 2018, Ronaldo finished as the Champions League's top scorer for six consecutive seasons.

2012: Ronaldo Discusses Rivalry with Messi

In 2012, Cristiano Ronaldo commented on his rivalry with Lionel Messi, acknowledging the competition and its positive impact. He also noted that they don't have a personal relationship outside of football.

2012: Captained Real Madrid for the first time

In 2012, following the 2012–13 winter break, Ronaldo captained Madrid for the first time in an official match, scoring twice to lift 10-man Madrid to a 4–3 win over Sociedad on 6 January.

2012: UEFA Euro 2012

In UEFA Euro 2012, Cristiano Ronaldo was joint top scorer with three goals and was included in the team of the tournament.

2012: First La Liga title since 2012.

In the 2016-17 season, Ronaldo helped Madrid to win their first La Liga title since 2012.

January 2013: Becomes Save the Children Global Artist Ambassador

In January 2013, Cristiano Ronaldo became Save the Children's new Global Artist Ambassador, aiming to help fight child hunger and obesity.

March 2013: Becomes Ambassador for The Mangrove Care Forum

In March 2013, Cristiano Ronaldo agreed to be the ambassador for The Mangrove Care Forum in Indonesia, to raise awareness of mangrove conservation.

November 2013: CR7 Underwear and Sock Line Release

In November 2013, Cristiano Ronaldo, in partnership with JBS Textile Group and Richard Chai, released a range of underwear and socks under his CR7 fashion brand.

December 2013: Viva Ronaldo Social Network Launch

In December 2013, Cristiano Ronaldo launched Viva Ronaldo, a dedicated social networking website and app.

2013: Joined by Gareth Bale and Wins 2013 FIFA Ballon d'Or

During the 2013–14 season, in 2013, Ronaldo was joined at the club by Gareth Bale forming 'BBC'. He scored 69 goals, winning the 2013 FIFA Ballon d'Or and the FIFA World Player of the Year award.

2013: Adapting Style at Real Madrid

From 2013 onwards, under manager Carlo Ancelotti, Cristiano Ronaldo adapted his style of play to the physical effects of ageing, focusing on short-distance creating and goalscoring at Real Madrid.

2013: Highest recorded jump

In 2013, Cristiano Ronaldo achieved the highest recorded jump in football history, measuring 2.93 metres (9 ft 7 in), during a match against Manchester United.

2013: First "Siuuu" Celebration and International Champions Cup Win

On August 7, 2013, Cristiano Ronaldo first performed the "Siuuu" celebration during the International Champions Cup Final between Real Madrid and Chelsea after scoring a goal. Madrid won the match 3–1 to claim the International Champions Cup.

July 2014: CR7 Premium Line Launch

In July 2014, Cristiano Ronaldo expanded his CR7 fashion brand by launching a line of premium shirts and shoes.

2014: 2014 FIFA World Cup Qualification and Tournament

In 2014, Cristiano Ronaldo scored eight goals during qualification for the FIFA World Cup and scored all four goals against Sweden in the play-off. At the tournament in Brazil, he assisted a late equaliser against the United States and scored the winner against Ghana.

2014: Champions League Win

In 2014, Ronaldo was integral to Madrid's Champions League win.

2014: 2014 FIFA Club World Cup and Ballon d'Or

In 2014, after winning the 2014 FIFA Club World Cup, Ronaldo received the 2014 Ballon d'Or, becoming a three-time recipient. He also set a new personal best of 61 goals during the 2014-15 season.

September 2015: "Legacy" Fragrance Release

In September 2015, Cristiano Ronaldo released his own fragrance, "Legacy", in partnership with Eden Parfums.

September 2015: Real Madrid's All-Time Top Scorer

On 12 September 2015, Cristiano Ronaldo became Real Madrid's all-time top scorer with 230 goals, surpassing Raúl.

2015: Named world's most charitable sportsperson

In 2015, Cristiano Ronaldo was named the world's most charitable sportsperson after donating £5 million to the relief effort after the earthquake in Nepal which killed over 8,000 people.

June 2016: Donation of Champions League Bonus

In June 2016, Cristiano Ronaldo donated the entirety of his €600,000 Champions League bonus after Real Madrid won the competition.

2016: UEFA Euro 2016 Victory and Ballon d'Or

In 2016, Cristiano Ronaldo led Portugal to their first-ever trophy at the UEFA Euro 2016, receiving the Silver Boot and his fourth Ballon d'Or later that year. Portugal also qualified for the FIFA Confederations Cup.

2016: Matches Goalscoring Record

In 2016, Cristiano Ronaldo reached the same goalscoring record as in 2023, scoring 54 goals.

2016: Euro 2016 Victory

In 2016, Ronaldo led Portugal to their first major tournament title at Euro 2016, being named in the team of the tournament and receiving the Silver Boot.

2016: Reached 100 goals in UEFA club competition.

In April 2016, Ronaldo became the first player to reach 100 goals in UEFA club competition after scoring both goals in a 2–1 away win against Bayern.

2017: Free-Roaming Centre Forward

Since 2017, Cristiano Ronaldo adapted his style of play again to become more of a free-roaming centre forward under manager Zinedine Zidane, excelling and maintaining a prolific goalscoring record.

April 2018: "PlayStation goal" against Juventus

On 3 April 2018, Ronaldo scored a bicycle kick goal, described as a "PlayStation goal" against Juventus, earning him a standing ovation.

2018: 2018 World Cup Hat-Trick and European Goal Record

During the 2018 World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo became the oldest player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup match, in a 3–3 draw against Spain. He also broke Puskás' record as the highest European goalscorer of all time, with 85 international goals, and was named in the World Cup Dream Team.

2018: Joining Juventus

In 2018, Jonathan Wilson of The Guardian opined that Cristiano Ronaldo had made Juventus weaker, due to "his relative immobility" in his mid-30s, even if his personal goal-scoring output remained high.

2018: Prolific World Cup Campaign

In 2018, Ronaldo had his most prolific World Cup campaign and was voted in the Fan Dream Team.

January 2019: Won 2018 Supercoppa Italiana

On 16 January 2019, Ronaldo won his first trophy with Juventus, the 2018 Supercoppa Italiana, scoring the only goal against AC Milan.

August 2019: Ronaldo Discusses Rivalry with Messi

In August 2019, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi were interviewed together before the UEFA Men's Player of the Year announcement, with Ronaldo stating that they pushed each other and it was good to be part of football history.

2019: UEFA Nations League Victory

In 2019, Cristiano Ronaldo led Portugal to victory in the inaugural UEFA Nations League, receiving the top scorer award in the finals.

January 2020: First Serie A Hat-Trick

On 6 January 2020, Ronaldo scored his first Serie A hat-trick in a 4–0 home win against Cagliari.

2020: Euro 2020 Golden Boot

In 2020, Cristiano Ronaldo received the Golden Boot as top scorer of Euro 2020 and became the first player to score at five European Championships.

March 2021: Scored In 600th League Match

On 2 March 2021, Ronaldo scored in a 3–0 win over Spezia in his 600th league match, becoming the first player to score at least 20 goals in 12 consecutive seasons in Europe's top five leagues.

June 2021: Breaks Men's Goalscoring Record

On June 23, 2021, in the Euro 2020 match against France, Cristiano Ronaldo scored two goals, breaking the men's international goalscoring record previously held by Ali Daei.

August 2021: Re-signed with Manchester United

On 27 August 2021, Manchester United announced they had reached an agreement with Juventus to re-sign Ronaldo. The first 24 hours of Ronaldo's shirt sales was reported to have broken the all-time record following a transfer.

adidas Manchester United 22/23 Home Jersey Men's, Red, Size L
adidas Manchester United 22/23 Home Jersey Men's, Red, Size L

2021: Return to Manchester United

In 2021, Ronaldo returned to Manchester United and was included in the PFA Team of the Year at 37 years old.

February 2022: First goal in new year

On 15 February 2022, Ronaldo scored in United's 2–0 win at home versus Brighton & Hove Albion, his first in the new year.

December 2022: Agreement with Al-Nassr

In December 2022, Cristiano Ronaldo reached an agreement with Saudi club Al-Nassr, signing a contract until 2025 for a record-breaking salary of €200 million per year.

2022: Scored at Five World Cups

In the 2022 World Cup, Ronaldo became the first player to score at five World Cups.

2022: First Player to Score at Five World Cups

In the 2022 World Cup, on November 24, 2022, Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to score at five World Cups, netting a penalty against Ghana. He was later dropped from the starting lineup due to a dispute with the manager.

January 2023: Debut for Al Nassr and First Goal

In January 2023, Cristiano Ronaldo debuted for Al Nassr as club captain and played a full 90 minutes in a 1-0 victory over Al-Ettifaq. He also scored his first goal for the club in a 2-2 draw against Al-Fateh.

January 2023: Exemption from Cohabitation Laws in Saudi Arabia

In January 2023, after Cristiano Ronaldo moved to Saudi Arabia, he and his partner were made an exception to the rule prohibiting unmarried couples from living together in Saudi Arabia.

March 2023: Most Capped Male Footballer

On March 23, 2023, Cristiano Ronaldo scored a brace against Liechtenstein, earning his 197th cap and becoming the most capped male footballer of all time.

October 2023: Investment in Medialivre

Since 26 October 2023, Cristiano Ronaldo, through Portuguese company Expressão Livre, is part of a group of investors that are the new owners of Medialivre, the publisher of Correio da Manhã, Record and Jornal de Negócios.

2023: Top Scorer in 2023

In 2023, Cristiano Ronaldo scored a total of 54 goals in all competitions for both Al-Nassr and Portugal, making him the outright top scorer of the year, equaling his previous record from 2016.

2023: Signed with Al Nassr

In 2023, Ronaldo signed for Al Nassr, a move credited for revolutionizing football in Saudi Arabia.

May 2024: Breaks Saudi League Scoring Record

On May 27, 2024, in Al Nassr's home fixture against Al-Ittihad, Ronaldo scored his 34th and 35th league goals of the campaign, surpassing Abderrazak Hamdallah's record for the most goals scored in a single Saudi Pro League season. He also equaled Rogério Ceni's record for the most top-level matches played by a male professional footballer, reaching 1,225 matches on May 31, 2024.

2024: First Player to Feature in Six European Championships

In 2024, with his start in Portugal's UEFA Euro 2024 opener against the Czech Republic, Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to feature in six European Championships. Later, on September 5, 2024, he scored his 900th career goal.