Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Cristiano Ronaldo

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

Cristiano Ronaldo, often called CR7, is a Portuguese professional footballer renowned as one of the greatest of all time. He currently plays for Al-Nassr and captains the Portugal national team. He boasts numerous individual awards, including five Ballon d'Or titles, record-setting UEFA Men's Player of the Year awards, and four European Golden Shoes. His trophy cabinet includes seven league titles, five UEFA Champions Leagues, and a UEFA European Championship. Ronaldo holds Champions League records for goals (140) and assists (42) and European Championship records for goals (14) and assists (8), and international records for appearances (221) and goals (138). Having made over 1,200 career appearances, he's the outfield player with the most appearances, and his over 900 official senior career goals make him the all-time top goalscorer.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1948: Oldest player to score over 30 goals since 1948

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.

1968: First Ballon d'Or winner since Best in 1968

In 2008, Cristiano Ronaldo won the Ballon d'Or, becoming Manchester United's first Ballon d'Or winner since Best in 1968.

1992: Playing for Andorinha

From 1992 to 1995, Cristiano Ronaldo played for Andorinha, where his father was the kit man.

1995: Playing for Andorinha

From 1992 to 1995, Cristiano Ronaldo played for Andorinha, where his father was the kit man.

1997: Trial with Sporting CP

In 1997, at age 12, Cristiano Ronaldo went on a three-day trial with Sporting CP, who signed him for £1,500.

2000: Dropped From Starting Line-Up in Knockout Game

During the 2022 World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo was dropped from the starting line-up for Portugal's last 16 match, marking the first time Portugal had started a knockout game without Ronaldo in the starting line-up at an international tournament since Euro 2000.

August 2002: First Official Match for Sporting CP

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

August 2003: Signing with Manchester United

On 12 August 2003, Manchester United signed Cristiano Ronaldo for £12 million, an England record for a teenager, making him the first Portuguese player to sign for the club.

August 2003: Debut for Portugal

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

2003: Signing with Manchester United

In 2003, Cristiano Ronaldo signed with Manchester United after beginning his senior career with Sporting CP, and won the FA Cup in his first season.

2003: International Debut for Portugal

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

May 2004: FA Cup Final Win

On 15 May 2004, Cristiano Ronaldo scored the opening goal in a victory against Aston Villa and later received the first red card of his career. He ended his first season in English football with a trophy, scoring the opening goal in United's 3–0 win over Millwall in the 2004 FA Cup Final.

2004: First International Goal and Euro 2004

In 2004, Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first international goal against Greece at UEFA Euro 2004 and was named in the team of the tournament.

2004: Assistance to Tsunami Survivor

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

2006: World Cup Incident and Transfer Request

During his third season in England, and following the 2006 FIFA World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo was involved in an incident where club teammate Wayne Rooney was sent off. Ronaldo publicly asked for a transfer, lamenting the lack of support he felt he had received from the club over the incident. United denied the possibility of him leaving the club.

2006: CR7 fashion boutique opened in Madeira

In 2006, Ronaldo opened a fashion boutique under the name CR7 on the island of Madeira, marking his initial foray into the fashion industry.

2006: 2006 FIFA World Cup

In the 2006 FIFA World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo became the youngest goalscorer for Portugal at a World Cup finals, but Portugal lost in the semi-finals. He was overlooked for the Best Young Player award due to his behavior.

2006: Awards Nomination

In the 2006-07 season, Cristiano Ronaldo won the Professional Footballers' Association's Player's Player, Fans' Player, Young Player of the Year awards, and the Football Writers' Association's Footballer of the Year award, becoming the first player to win all four main PFA and FWA honors.

February 2007: Captains Portugal for the First Time

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

2007: Awards Nominations

In 2007, Cristiano Ronaldo was named runner-up to Kaká for the 2007 Ballon d'Or, and came third, behind Kaká and Lionel Messi, in the running for the 2007 FIFA World Player of the Year award.

2007: Moments Autobiography Published

In 2007, Ronaldo's autobiography, titled Moments, was published, providing insights into his life and career.

2007: First Ballon d'Or

In 2007–08 season, Cristiano Ronaldo earned his first Ballon d'Or, at the age of 23 while playing for Manchester United.

January 2008: First hat-trick for Manchester United

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

July 2008: Captaincy of Portugal National Team

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

2008: Dropped From Starting Line-Up

During the 2022 World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo was dropped from the starting line-up for Portugal's last 16 match, marking the first time since Euro 2008 that he had not started a game for Portugal in a major international tournament.

2008: UEFA Euro 2008

In 2008, Cristiano Ronaldo scored one goal at UEFA Euro 2008, where Portugal was eliminated in the quarter-finals.

2008: Donation to Charity in Madeira

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

2008: CR7 fashion boutique opened in Lisbon

In 2008, Ronaldo opened a second CR7 fashion boutique in Lisbon, expanding his fashion business in Portugal.

2008: Best-Selling Premier League Sports Product

In 2008, Ronaldo's number 7 Manchester United shirt was the best-selling Premier League sports product.

2008: Winning first Ballon d'Or

Winning his first Ballon d'Or in 2008 by a record-high vote count at age 23

2009: Transfer to Real Madrid

In 2009, Cristiano Ronaldo signed for Real Madrid in a transfer worth €94 million (£80 million), then the most expensive association football transfer.

2009: Donation to Hospital in Madeira

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

2010: 2010 World Cup

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

2010: Wins Copa del Rey with Real Madrid

In 2010, Cristiano Ronaldo scored 53 goals and helped Real Madrid win the Copa del Rey, which was his first trophy with the club.

2010: Pledge to Charity Match for Madeira Flood Victims

In 2010, Ronaldo pledged to play in a charity match in Madeira to support the victims of the 2010 Madeira flood.

2010: First time trophyless since 2010

In 2022, Cristiano Ronaldo went trophyless for the first time since 2010.

December 2011: Heads Up with Cristiano iPhone Game Launch

In December 2011, Ronaldo launched an iPhone game called Heads Up with Cristiano, created by RockLive, marking his entry into the mobile gaming market.

2011: Runner-up in FIFA Ballon d'Or

In 2011, Cristiano Ronaldo finished runner-up to Lionel Messi in the FIFA Ballon d'Or.

2011: Record-Breaking La Liga Title Win

In 2011-12, Cristiano Ronaldo was integral to Real Madrid winning a record-breaking La Liga title.

March 2012: 100th league goal for Real Madrid

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

November 2012: Personalised Nike Mercurial Vapor CR7 Edition

Since November 2012, Ronaldo has worn the Nike Mercurial Vapor personalised CR7 edition football boots, as part of his many sponsorship deals for consumer products.

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

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

2012: Champions League Top Scorer

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

2012: UEFA Euro 2012

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

2012: Second in FIFA Ballon d'Or

In 2012, Cristiano Ronaldo was voted second in the running for the FIFA Ballon d'Or.

2012: Ronaldo Comments on Rivalry with Messi

In 2012, Ronaldo commented on his rivalry with Messi, stating that they push each other in the competition, which is why the competition is so high.

2012: First La Liga title since 2012

In 2016-2017 Season, Cristiano Ronaldo helped Madrid to win their first La Liga title since 2012

January 2013: Global Artist Ambassador for Save the Children

In January 2013, Ronaldo became Save the Children's new Global Artist Ambassador, with the aim of helping fight child hunger and obesity.

March 2013: Ambassador for The Mangrove Care Forum

In March 2013, Ronaldo agreed to be the ambassador for The Mangrove Care Forum in Indonesia, an organisation focused on raising awareness of mangrove conservation.

November 2013: CR7 Underwear and Sock Line Release

In November 2013, Ronaldo co-designed a range of underwear and sock line in partnership with JBS Textile Group and Richard Chai, marking his expansion into fashion.

December 2013: Viva Ronaldo Social Networking Website and App Launch

In December 2013, Ronaldo launched Viva Ronaldo, a dedicated social networking website and app, to engage with his fans.

2013: Adapting his play

From 2013 onwards, under manager Carlo Ancelotti, Cristiano Ronaldo effectively adapted his style to the physical effects of ageing with increasingly reduced off-the-ball movement and general involvement, completing fewer dribbles and passes per game, and instead focusing on short-distance creating and goalscoring.

2013: Highest Recorded Jump

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

2013: Wins FIFA Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year

In 2013, Cristiano Ronaldo scored 69 goals and won the FIFA Ballon d'Or and the FIFA World Player of the Year award.

2013: Ballon d'Or Award

In 2013, Cristiano Ronaldo won back-to-back Ballon d'Or awards.

2013: First "Siuuu" Celebration during International Champions Cup Final

On August 7, 2013, during the International Champions Cup Final between Real Madrid and Chelsea, Ronaldo first performed the "Siuuu" celebration after scoring a goal that gave Real Madrid a 2–1 lead. Real Madrid beat Chelsea 3–1 to claim the International Champions Cup.

July 2014: CR7 Premium Shirts and Shoes Launch

In July 2014, Ronaldo expanded his CR7 fashion brand by launching a line of premium shirts and shoes, further establishing his presence in the fashion industry.

2014: 2014 FIFA World Cup

During qualification for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo scored eight goals. At the tournament in Brazil, he assisted a late equaliser against the United States and scored the winning goal against Ghana.

2014: Champions League Win

From 2014 to 2018, Cristiano Ronaldo helped Real Madrid win four Champions League titles, including La Décima.

2014: Wins Ballon d'Or for the third time

In 2014, Cristiano Ronaldo received the Ballon d'Or, joining Johan Cruyff, Michel Platini, and Marco van Basten as a three-time recipient, after winning the FIFA Club World Cup.

September 2015: Legacy Fragrance Release

In September 2015, Ronaldo released his own fragrance, "Legacy", in partnership with Eden Parfums, adding to his diverse brand portfolio.

CR7 Cristiano Ronaldo Legacy Private Edition - Bold & Sensual Fragrance For Men - Luxurious, Bold & Sexy Scent - Woody & Warm Aroma - Perfect For A Romantic Evening - Long Lasting - 3.4 Oz EDT Spray

Check it on Amazon

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 in 203 matches.

2015: World's Most Charitable Sportsperson

In 2015, 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.

2015: Second Best-Selling Football Shirt Worldwide

In 2015, Ronaldo's number 7 Real Madrid shirt was the second best-selling worldwide, after Messi's number 10 Barcelona shirt.

June 2016: Donation of Champions League Bonus

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

July 2016: Madeira Airport Renamed Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport

In July 2016, following Portugal's Euro 2016 victory, Madeira Airport in Funchal was renamed Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport. This decision faced local opposition, leading to debates and a petition against the name change.

2016: Goalscoring record

Cristiano Ronaldo reached the same goalscoring record as in 2016 after scoring 54 goals in all competitions for Al-Nassr and Portugal.

2016: Euro Victory and Silver Boot

In 2016, Cristiano Ronaldo led Portugal to their first major tournament title at Euro 2016, being named in the team of the tournament for the third time and receiving the Silver Boot as the second-highest goalscorer. He also received his fourth Ballon d'Or.

2016: UEFA Euro 2016 Victory

In 2016, Cristiano Ronaldo led Portugal to victory at UEFA Euro 2016. He received the Silver Boot and his fourth Ballon d'Or later that year.

2016: Ballon d'Or Award

In 2016, Cristiano Ronaldo won back-to-back Ballon d'Or awards.

2016: Wins Ballon d'Or and FIFA Men's Player Award

In 2016, Cristiano Ronaldo won the Ballon d'Or, his fourth, and the inaugural The Best FIFA Men's Player.

2016: 100 goals in UEFA club competition

In April 2016, Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to reach 100 goals in UEFA club competition.

2017: Wins The Best FIFA Men's Player and Ballon d'Or

In 2017, Cristiano Ronaldo was awarded The Best FIFA Men's Player award for the second consecutive year and won the Ballon d'Or for the fifth time.

2017: Ballon d'Or Award

In 2017, Cristiano Ronaldo won back-to-back Ballon d'Or awards.

2017: Adapting his play again

Since 2017, Cristiano Ronaldo adapted his style of play yet again to become more of a free-roaming centre forward under manager Zinedine Zidane, a role in which he continued to excel and maintain a prolific goalscoring record

April 2018: Acrobatic bicycle kick goal against Juventus

On 3 April 2018, Cristiano Ronaldo scored an acrobatic bicycle kick goal against Juventus in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League.

2018: Prolific World Cup Campaign

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

2018: Joins Juventus

In 2018, Cristiano Ronaldo joined Juventus for €100 million.

2018: Wins first trophy with Juventus

In January 2019, Cristiano Ronaldo won his first trophy with Juventus, the 2018 Supercoppa Italiana.

2018: 2018 World Cup

In the 2018 World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo became the oldest player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup match and broke the record for the highest European goalscorer of all time. He was named in the World Cup Dream Team.

January 2019: Wins first trophy with Juventus

Cristiano Ronaldo won his first trophy with Juventus on 16 January 2019, the 2018 Supercoppa Italiana, after he scored the only goal from a header against AC Milan.

August 2019: Ronaldo and Messi Discuss Rivalry

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

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

September 2020: Sporting CP's academy renamed Academia Cristiano Ronaldo

In September 2020, Sporting CP's football academy in Alcochete was renamed Academia Cristiano Ronaldo, marking another recognition of his impact on the sport.

2020: Golden Boot at Euro

At Euro 2020, Cristiano Ronaldo received the Golden Boot as the top scorer.

2020: Euro 2020 Golden Boot

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

February 2021: 500 Million Social Media Followers Milestone

By February 2021, Ronaldo became the first person to pass half a billion total followers across Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

March 2021: Scored in 600th league match

On 2 March 2021, Cristiano Ronaldo scored a goal in a 3–0 win over Spezia in his 600th league match.

June 2021: Breaks International Goalscoring Record

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

August 2021: Re-signs with Manchester United

On 27 August 2021, Manchester United announced they had reached an agreement with Juventus to re-sign Cristiano Ronaldo.

2021: Return to Manchester United

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

February 2022: First goal in the new year

On 15 February 2022, Cristiano 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 Arabian club Al-Nassr, signing a contract until 2025 and receiving the highest football salary ever.

2022: Contract Termination

In 2022, Cristiano Ronaldo's contract with Manchester United was terminated due to a fall out with the newly appointed manager.

2022: Scoring at Five World Cups

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

January 2023: Al-Nassr Debut and First Goal

On January 22, 2023, Cristiano Ronaldo debuted for Al-Nassr as club captain and played a full match. Later in January, he scored his first goal for the club in a draw against Al-Fateh.

March 2023: Most Capped Male Footballer

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

September 2023: Ronaldo Declares Rivalry with Messi is Over

In September 2023, after 36 official fixtures and 15 years of "sharing the stage", Ronaldo declared that his rivalry with Messi was over and "gone".

October 2023: Investment in Medialivre

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

2023: Top Scorer in 2023

In 2023, Cristiano Ronaldo scored 54 goals in all competitions for Al-Nassr and Portugal, making him the outright top scorer of the year.

2023: Signing for Al-Nassr

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

May 2024: Breaks Saudi Pro League Scoring Record

On May 27, 2024, Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 34th and 35th league goals in a home fixture, surpassing the record for most goals scored in a single Saudi Pro League season and becoming the first footballer to finish as top scorer in four different leagues.

August 2024: Fastest YouTube Channel to Reach 1 Million Subscribers

On 21 August 2024, after announcing the creation of his YouTube channel, UR Cristiano, it became the fastest to reach the 1 million subscribers milestone in 90 minutes. The channel also became the fastest to reach 5, 10, 20, 30 and 50 million subscribers and became the most subscribed channel in Portugal, surpassing the Portuguese Nick Jr.

2024: First Player in Six European Championships

In 2024, Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to feature in six European Championships and later scored his 900th career goal in a victory over Croatia.