History of Cristiano Ronaldo in Timeline

Cristiano Ronaldo, nicknamed CR7, is a Portuguese professional footballer considered one of the greatest players of all time. Playing as a forward and captaining both Al-Nassr and the Portugal national team, he has achieved remarkable success, winning five Ballon d'Or awards, a record three UEFA Men's Player of the Year Awards, and four European Golden Shoes. Ronaldo boasts 34 career trophies, including five UEFA Champions League titles and a UEFA European Championship. He holds records for goals and assists in both the Champions League and European Championship, as well as international appearances and goals. He is one of five players to score 100+ goals for three clubs. With over 1,200 professional appearances and over 900 senior career goals, he is the all-time top goalscorer.

Sections (7)

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

1948: Ronaldo Breaks Record 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: Last Ballon d'Or Winner

In 1968, before Ronaldo in 2008, George Best was United's last Ballon d'Or winner.

February 1985: Cristiano Ronaldo's Birth

In February 1985, Cristiano Ronaldo was born as Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro. He later became a professional football player.

February 1985: Cristiano Ronaldo's Birth in Funchal, Madeira

In February 1985, Cristiano Ronaldo was born in the São Pedro parish of Funchal, Madeira, Portugal. He is the youngest of four children. His mother considered abortion due to poverty.

1992: Ronaldo Joins Andorinha

In 1992, Cristiano Ronaldo began playing for Andorinha, where his father worked as the kit man.

1995: Ronaldo Leaves Andorinha

In 1995, Cristiano Ronaldo ended his time playing for Andorinha.

1997: Ronaldo Joins Sporting CP Youth System

In 1997, at age 12, Cristiano Ronaldo joined Sporting CP's youth system after a successful three-day trial.

2000: First Knockout Game Without Ronaldo

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

August 2002: Ronaldo's First Official Match for Sporting CP

On August 14, 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: Ronaldo Signs with Manchester United

On August 12, 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 in a match against Kazakhstan.

August 2003: Manchester United's Interest in Ronaldo

On August 6, 2003, after Sporting defeated Manchester United 3-1, Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson was determined to acquire Cristiano Ronaldo urgently. He called him "one of the most exciting young players" he had ever seen.

2003: Ronaldo's International Debut for Portugal

In 2003, Cristiano Ronaldo made his international debut for Portugal at the age of 18, beginning his journey with the national team.

2003: Ronaldo signs with Manchester United

In 2003, Cristiano Ronaldo signed with Manchester United, marking a significant move in his early career.

May 2004: Ronaldo Wins FA Cup with Manchester United

On May 15, 2004, Cristiano Ronaldo scored the opening goal in a victory against Aston Villa and received his first red card. He also scored the opening goal in United's 3-0 win over Millwall in the 2004 FA Cup Final, securing his first trophy in English football.

2004: UEFA Euro 2004 Performance

During UEFA Euro 2004, Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first international goal in a 2–1 group stage loss to Greece. Despite Portugal losing to Greece in the final, Ronaldo was named to the team of the tournament, contributing two assists and two goals.

2004: Ronaldo's First International Goal

In 2004, Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first international goal in Euro 2004, helping Portugal reach the final and earning a place in the team of the tournament.

2004: Start of Best Matches of the Season

In 2004, Cristiano Ronaldo started off the 2004-05 season playing two of his best matches.

2004: Ronaldo supports Aceh rehabilitation after tsunami

In 2004, following 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.

September 2005: Death of Ronaldo's Father

In September 2005, Ronaldo's father, José, died at age 52 due to an alcoholism-related liver condition, when Ronaldo was 20 years old.

2005: Strong Matches and League Cup Win

In 2005, Cristiano Ronaldo played two of his best matches of the 2004–05 season, producing a goal and an assist against Aston Villa and scoring twice against rivals Arsenal. He also won the Football League Cup after scoring the third goal in United's 4–0 final win over Wigan Athletic.

2005: Rape Allegation Investigation

In 2005, Ronaldo and another man were investigated by the British Crown Prosecution Service after a rape allegation was brought forward by two women, which was later withdrawn due to insufficient evidence.

2006: Incident with Rooney and Transfer Request

In 2006, Cristiano Ronaldo was involved in an incident with teammate Wayne Rooney during the FIFA World Cup, leading to Rooney's dismissal. Subsequently, Ronaldo publicly requested a transfer due to feeling a lack of support from the club, though United denied his departure.

2006: CR7 Boutique Opening in Madeira

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

2006: Youngest Goalscorer at World Cup

In the 2006 FIFA World Cup, at 21 years and 132 days old, Cristiano Ronaldo became the youngest goalscorer for Portugal at a World Cup finals. Portugal reached the semi-finals, where they lost to France. Ronaldo faced booing due to an incident in the quarter-finals against England, leading to FIFA's Technical Study Group overlooking him for the Best Young Player award.

2006: Ronaldo's Personal Awards

In the 2006-07 season, Cristiano Ronaldo amassed a host of personal awards.

February 2007: Captaining Portugal for the First Time

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

2007: Runner-Up in Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year

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

2007: Ronaldo Wins First Ballon d'Or

In 2007, Cristiano Ronaldo won his first Ballon d'Or award at the age of 23, marking a significant milestone in his career.

2007: Publication of Autobiography

In 2007, Ronaldo's autobiography, titled Moments, was published.

January 2008: Ronaldo Scores First Hat-Trick for Manchester United

On January 12, 2008, Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first hat-trick for Manchester United in a 6-0 win against Newcastle United.

July 2008: Libel Damages over Drinking Allegation

In July 2008, Ronaldo received libel damages over a Daily Mirror article that reported him drinking heavily in a nightclub while recovering from an injury.

2008: UEFA Euro 2008 Performance

Ahead of UEFA Euro 2008, Cristiano Ronaldo wore the number 7 shirt. Despite scoring eight goals in qualifications, he scored only one goal in the finals, netting the second goal of Portugal's 3–1 win against the Czech Republic. Portugal were eliminated in the quarter-finals after a 3–2 loss to Germany.

2008: Ronaldo appears on Pro Evolution Soccer cover

In 2008, Cristiano Ronaldo appeared on the cover of Pro Evolution Soccer, marking one of his endorsements with the video game franchise.

2008: Ronaldo Assumes Portugal National Team Captaincy

In 2008, Cristiano Ronaldo assumed the captaincy of the Portugal national team ahead of Euro 2008, marking a leadership role in his international career.

2008: Ronaldo donates libel damages 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: First Ballon d'Or

In 2008, Cristiano Ronaldo won his first Ballon d'Or at the age of 23 by a record-high vote count.

2008: Ronaldo's Manchester United shirt is best-selling Premier League product

In 2008, Cristiano Ronaldo's number 7 Manchester United shirt was the best-selling Premier League sports product, demonstrating his popularity and marketability at the time.

2008: CR7 Boutique Opening in Lisbon

In 2008, Ronaldo opened a second CR7 fashion boutique in Lisbon.

2008: Dropping from Starting Line-Up

In 2022, following a dispute with the manager, 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.

2009: Ronaldo donates to hospital in Madeira for cancer center

In 2009, Cristiano Ronaldo donated £100,000 to the hospital in Madeira that saved his mother's life following her battle with cancer, enabling them to build a cancer center on the island.

2009: Ronaldo Joins Real Madrid

In 2009, Cristiano Ronaldo joined Real Madrid for a then-record transfer fee of €94 million (£80 million), marking a significant move in his career.

2009: Rape Allegation

In 2009, an allegation of rape was brought forward by a woman .

June 2010: Ronaldo represented as waxwork at Madame Tussauds London

In June 2010, Cristiano Ronaldo became the fourth footballer to be represented as a waxwork at Madame Tussauds London, highlighting his global recognition.

June 2010: Birth of Cristiano Ronaldo Jr.

On 17 June 2010, Cristiano Ronaldo became a father to a son, Cristiano Ronaldo Jr., who was born in the United States. Ronaldo has full custody of the child.

2010: 2010 World Cup Performance

During the 2010 World Cup qualifying, Cristiano Ronaldo failed to score. In the finals, he scored only one goal but was named man of the match in all three group stage matches. His only goal came in a 7–0 victory against North Korea, marking his first international goal in 16 months.

2010: Madrid wins Copa del Rey and Ronaldo wins European Golden Shoe

In 2010, Cristiano Ronaldo was given No. 7 for the 2010–11 season. He scored 53 goals, helping Real Madrid win the Copa del Rey, scoring the winning goal against Barcelona in the El Clásico. He also became the first player in La Liga to score 40 goals and won the European Golden Shoe for a second time, becoming the first player to win the award in different leagues.

2010: Non-disclosure Settlement

In 2010, Ronaldo paid a woman US$375,000 in a non-disclosure settlement.

2010: Ronaldo pledges 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.

2010: Ronaldo goes trophyless in 2022

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

September 2011: Release of Ronaldo: Tested to the Limit

In September 2011, Castrol produced the television film Ronaldo: Tested to the Limit, where Ronaldo was physically and mentally tested, leading to scrutiny by world media.

December 2011: iPhone Game Launch

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

2011: Tax Fraud Allegation

Between 2011 and 2014, Ronaldo was charged with fraudulently evading almost €15 million in tax .

2011: Runner-up in 2011 FIFA Ballon d'Or

In 2011, Cristiano Ronaldo scored 60 goals across all competitions. He led Real Madrid to their first league title in four years with a record 100 points and his runner-up finish to Lionel Messi in the 2011 FIFA Ballon d'Or.

2011: Real Madrid's Record-Breaking La Liga Season

In the 2011-12 season, Cristiano Ronaldo played a key role as Real Madrid reached a record-breaking 100 points in La Liga.

March 2012: Ronaldo Scores 100th League Goal for Madrid

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

November 2012: Ronaldo wears personalized Nike Mercurial Vapor CR7 edition

Since November 2012, Cristiano Ronaldo has worn the Nike Mercurial Vapor personalized CR7 edition football boots, highlighting his endorsement deal with Nike.

December 2012: Ronaldo joins FIFA's "11 for Health" programme

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

2012: Ronaldo Named in Euro Team of the Tournament

At Euro 2012, Cristiano Ronaldo was named in the team of the tournament, showcasing his impactful performances on the international stage.

2012: Real Madrid wins La Liga title

Cristiano Ronaldo helped Real Madrid to win their first La Liga title since 2012.

2012: Ronaldo captains Real Madrid and marks 500th club appearance

Following the 2012–13 winter break, on January 6th 2012, Ronaldo captained Real Madrid for the first time in an official match, scoring twice to lift 10-man Madrid to a 4–3 win over Sociedad. On January 30th 2012, he became the first non-Spanish player in 60 years to captain Madrid in El Clasico, a match which also marked his 500th club appearance.

2012: Ronaldo comments on rivalry with Messi

In 2012, Cristiano Ronaldo commented on his rivalry with Lionel Messi, noting the competition pushes both players to excel, and that despite media portrayal, they maintain a professional distance. He expressed hope that they could look back on the rivalry with positivity in the future.

2012: Ronaldo's name linked to unsafe websites in McAfee report

In 2012, computer security company McAfee produced a report ranking footballers by the probability of an internet search for their name leading to an unsafe website, with Cristiano Ronaldo's name topping the list.

2012: UEFA Euro 2012 Performance

In UEFA Euro 2012, Cristiano Ronaldo was a joint top scorer with three goals, earning him a place in the team of the tournament.

January 2013: Ronaldo becomes Save the Children's Global Artist Ambassador

In January 2013, Cristiano Ronaldo became Save the Children's new Global Artist Ambassador, focusing on fighting child hunger and obesity.

March 2013: Ronaldo becomes ambassador for The Mangrove Care Forum

In March 2013, Cristiano Ronaldo became the ambassador for The Mangrove Care Forum in Indonesia, an organization aiming to raise awareness of mangrove conservation.

October 2013: Ronaldo responds to Sepp Blatter's comments with mock-salute

In October 2013, following FIFA president Sepp Blatter's remarks about Ronaldo's appearance, Real Madrid demanded and received an apology. Ronaldo responded to Blatter's "commander" on the pitch comment with a mock-salute celebration after scoring a penalty against Sevilla.

November 2013: Release of underwear and sock line

In November 2013, Ronaldo, in partnership with JBS Textile Group and Richard Chai, released a range of underwear and sock line.

December 2013: Viva Ronaldo Launch

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

December 2013: Ronaldo opens Museu CR7 in Funchal

In December 2013, Cristiano Ronaldo opened a museum, Museu CR7, in his hometown of Funchal, Madeira, to house trophies and memorabilia; the museum is an official sponsor of the local football team União da Madeira.

December 2013: Waxwork of Ronaldo presented at Madrid Wax Museum

In December 2013, another waxwork of Cristiano Ronaldo was presented at the Madrid Wax Museum, adding to his representation in popular culture.

2013: Adapting Playing Style at Real Madrid

From 2013 onwards, under manager Carlo Ancelotti, Cristiano Ronaldo adapted his style to the physical effects of ageing by reducing off-the-ball movement and general involvement, focusing on short-distance creating and goalscoring.

2013: Highest Recorded Jump in Football History

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 while playing for Real Madrid in the round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League.

2013: Ronaldo Wins Ballon d'Or

In 2013, Cristiano Ronaldo was awarded the Ballon d'Or.

2013: Widespread adoption of "Siu" celebration

In 2013, Cristiano Ronaldo's "Sí" celebration, involving a "storming jump" and "turn" landing in his "signature power stance," gained widespread popularity and media coverage. Dubbed the "Siu" or "Siuuu", the celebration has since been imitated by athletes and personalities worldwide.

2013: First "Siuuu" celebration in International Champions Cup Final

On August 7, 2013, during the International Champions Cup Final between Real Madrid and Chelsea, Cristiano Ronaldo first performed his signature "Siuuu" celebration after scoring a goal. Ronaldo's goal helped Madrid beat Chelsea 3–1 to claim the International Champions Cup. He later explained that the celebration "just felt natural".

January 2014: Ronaldo raised to Grand Officer of the Order of Prince Henry

In January 2014, Cristiano Ronaldo was raised to the rank of Grand Officer of the Order of Prince Henry by the President of Portugal, Aníbal Cavaco Silva, recognizing his global impact and contributions to the country's international image.

May 2014: Repucom names Ronaldo most marketable football player

In May 2014, sports market research company Repucom named Cristiano Ronaldo the most marketable and most recognized football player in the world, highlighting his strong brand and commercial appeal.

June 2014: Release of Cristiano Ronaldo: The World at His Feet

In June 2014, Cristiano Ronaldo: The World at His Feet, a documentary narrated by Benedict Cumberbatch, was released via Vimeo.

July 2014: CR7 Fashion Brand Expansion

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

December 2014: Bronze statue of Ronaldo unveiled in Funchal

On December 21, 2014, a bronze statue of Cristiano Ronaldo, designed by artist Ricardo Madeira Veloso, was unveiled in Funchal, recognizing his contributions and legacy.

2014: Tax Fraud Allegation

Between 2011 and 2014, Ronaldo was charged with fraudulently evading almost €15 million in tax .

2014: 2014 FIFA World Cup

During qualification for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo scored eight goals but Portugal did not qualify directly. In the play-off against Sweden, Ronaldo scored all four goals to secure qualification. At the tournament in Brazil, he assisted a late equaliser against the United States and scored a winner against Ghana.

2014: Ronaldo wins 2014 Ballon d'Or

During the 2014–15 season, Ronaldo set a new personal best of 61 goals, and after winning the 2014 FIFA Club World Cup, Ronaldo received the 2014 Ballon d'Or, joining Johan Cruyff, Michel Platini and Marco van Basten as a three-time recipient.

2014: Real Madrid Wins Champions League

In 2014, Cristiano Ronaldo helped Real Madrid win the Champions League, contributing to the club's resurgence as a dominant European force.

2014: Ronaldo named in Time 100

In 2014, Cristiano Ronaldo was named in the Time 100, Time Magazine's annual list of the most influential people in the world, recognizing his global impact and influence.

2014: Ronaldo Included in TIME's 100 Most Influential People

In 2014, Time included Cristiano Ronaldo on their list of the 100 most influential people in the world, recognizing his significant impact beyond sports.

January 2015: End of Relationship with Irina Shayk

In January 2015, Ronaldo's five-year relationship with Russian model Irina Shayk ended.

June 2015: Galaxy named Cosmos Redshift 7 (CR7) in tribute to Ronaldo

In June 2015, astronomers led by David Sobral from Lisbon and Leiden discovered a galaxy which they named Cosmos Redshift 7 (CR7) in tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo, recognizing his global fame.

September 2015: Fragrance Release

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

September 2015: Ronaldo becomes 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, surpassing Raúl. On 30 September 2015, two goals against Malmö FF saw him reach the milestone of 500 career goals for club and country.

November 2015: Release of Ronaldo Documentary

On 9 November 2015, a documentary film directed by Anthony Wonke about Cristiano Ronaldo's life and career, titled Ronaldo, was released.

2015: Ronaldo Named in UEFA Ultimate Team of the Year

In 2015, Cristiano Ronaldo was named in the UEFA Ultimate Team of the Year, honoring his exceptional performances in European football.

2015: Ronaldo donates to Nepal earthquake relief

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

2015: Ronaldo's Real Madrid shirt is second best-selling worldwide

In 2015, Cristiano Ronaldo's number 7 Real Madrid shirt was the second best-selling worldwide, after Lionel Messi's Barcelona shirt, highlighting his global appeal.

June 2016: Sponsors earn millions from Ronaldo's social media

Between June 2016 and June 2017, Cristiano Ronaldo's sponsors earned $936 million in media value across his Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.

June 2016: Ronaldo donates Champions League bonus

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

July 2016: Madeira Airport renamed Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport

On July 23, 2016, following Portugal's Euro 2016 triumph, Madeira Airport in Funchal was renamed Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport, a move that faced some local debate.

2016: Ronaldo Leads Portugal to Euro Victory

In 2016, Cristiano Ronaldo led Portugal to their first major tournament title at Euro 2016 and was named in the team of the tournament for the third time.

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, although he was subbed off in the 25th minute of the final against France. He received the Silver Boot as the second-highest goalscorer, which led to him winning his fourth Ballon d'Or later that year. The win qualified Portugal for the FIFA Confederations Cup in Russia, where they finished third, with Ronaldo named man of the match in all three group stage matches.

2016: Equaling Goalscoring Record

In 2016, Cristiano Ronaldo reached a goalscoring record of 54 goals, a feat he would later equal in 2023.

2016: Ronaldo Wins Ballon d'Or

In 2016, Cristiano Ronaldo was awarded the Ballon d'Or.

2016: Ronaldo Ranked World's Most Famous Athlete

In 2016, Cristiano Ronaldo was ranked the world's most famous athlete by ESPN, recognizing his global popularity and influence.

2016: Ronaldo wins 2016 Ballon d'Or and The Best FIFA Men's Player

In 2016, Cristiano Ronaldo won the Ballon d'Or, his fourth, and the inaugural The Best FIFA Men's Player, a revival of the former FIFA World Player of the Year, largely owing to his success with Portugal in winning Euro 2016.

2016: Forbes ranks Ronaldo highest-paid athlete

In 2016, Forbes ranked Cristiano Ronaldo as the highest-paid athlete in the world, with earnings of $88 million, solidifying his status as a top-earning sports figure.

2016: Ronaldo scores 100th goal in UEFA club competition

In April 2016, during the 2016–17 UEFA Champions League quarter-finals against Bayern, Ronaldo scored both goals in a 2–1 away win, becoming the first player to reach 100 goals in UEFA club competition.

March 2017: Unveiling of rebranded Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport

On March 29, 2017, the rebranded Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport was unveiled, including the presentation of a bust of Ronaldo's head, which generated controversy and ridicule for its lack of likeness.

April 2017: Las Vegas Police Investigation

In April 2017, it was reported that Ronaldo was being investigated by the Las Vegas Police Department for an allegation of rape that allegedly occurred in 2009.

June 2017: Birth of Twins

In June 2017, Ronaldo became a father to twins, born on 8 June 2017 in the United States via surrogacy.

July 2017: Tax Evasion Charge

In July 2017, Ronaldo was charged with fraudulently evading almost €15 million in tax between 2011 and 2014, a claim he denied at the time.

November 2017: Birth of Daughter with Georgina Rodríguez

On 12 November 2017, Georgina Rodríguez, Ronaldo's partner, gave birth to a daughter.

2017: Ronaldo Wins Ballon d'Or

In 2017, Cristiano Ronaldo was awarded the Ballon d'Or.

2017: Forbes ranks Ronaldo highest-paid athlete again

In 2017, Forbes ranked Cristiano Ronaldo as the highest-paid athlete in the world for the second consecutive year, with earnings of $93 million.

2017: ESPN names Ronaldo world's most famous athlete again

In 2017, for the second year in a row, ESPN named Cristiano Ronaldo as the world's most famous athlete, highlighting his continued global recognition and popularity.

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

On 23 October, 2017, Cristiano Ronaldo was awarded The Best FIFA Men's Player award for the second consecutive year. A day later, Ronaldo won the 2017 Ballon d'Or, receiving his fifth-time award on the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

2017: Transition to Free-Roaming Centre Forward

Since 2017, Cristiano Ronaldo adapted his style of play to become more of a free-roaming centre forward under manager Zinedine Zidane, excelling in this role and maintaining a high goalscoring record, earning praise for intelligent movement, positional sense, and finishing.

April 2018: Ronaldo scores bicycle kick goal against Juventus

On 3 April 2018, Cristiano Ronaldo scored the first two goals in a 3–0 away win against Juventus in the quarter-finals of the 2017–18 UEFA Champions League, with his second goal being an acrobatic bicycle kick. The goal garnered him a standing ovation from the opposing fans in the stadium as well as plaudits from peers, pundits and coaches.

June 2018: Suspended Jail Sentence and Fine

In June 2018, Ronaldo was given a two-year suspended jail sentence and fined €18.8 million (later reduced to €16.8 million) after reaching a deal with Spanish authorities for tax evasion.

June 2018: New bust of Ronaldo unveiled at Madeira airport

In June 2018, a new bust of Cristiano Ronaldo was unveiled at the Madeira airport, replacing the previous controversial bust. Sports website Bleacher Report had originally commissioned a sculptor Emanuel Santos to create another bust, however, this bust was never used and a new one was made by a Spanish sculptor, shown to the public on June 15, 2018.

September 2018: Civil Lawsuit Filed

In September 2018, the woman accusing Ronaldo of rape filed a civil lawsuit in Nevada.

2018: 2018 World Cup Performance

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. In the following match, Ronaldo scored the only goal in a 1–0 win against Morocco, surpassing Puskás' record as the highest European goalscorer of all time with 85 international goals. He was named in the World Cup Dream Team for his performances.

2018: Ronaldo joins Juventus

In 2018 Cristiano Ronaldo joined Juventus for €100 million. Upon signing, Ronaldo cited his need for a new challenge as his rationale for departing Madrid.

2018: ESPN names Ronaldo world's most famous athlete for the third consecutive year

In 2018, for the third consecutive year, ESPN named Cristiano Ronaldo as the world's most famous athlete, highlighting his continued global recognition and popularity.

2018: Ranked as Most Influential Person in Sports Culture

In a 2018 article for Bleacher Report, Cristiano Ronaldo was ranked first in the ranking of the 50 most influential people in sports culture for 2018.

2018: Ronaldo's Prolific World Cup Campaign

In the 2018 World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo had his most prolific World Cup campaign, scoring four goals for Portugal.

2018: Ronaldo wins 2018 Supercoppa Italiana

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

January 2019: Ronaldo wins 2018 Supercoppa Italiana

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

July 2019: No Charges Filed in Rape Allegation

In July 2019, Las Vegas prosecutors announced they would not charge Ronaldo over allegations of rape due to insufficient evidence.

August 2019: Ronaldo discusses rivalry with Messi at UEFA awards

In August 2019, prior to the UEFA Men's Player of the Year announcement, Cristiano Ronaldo acknowledged his rivalry with Lionel Messi, stating that they both 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. He received the top scorer award in the finals.

2019: Ronaldo Ranked World's Most Famous Athlete

In 2019, Cristiano Ronaldo was ranked the world's most famous athlete by ESPN for the last time.

2019: Ronaldo Wins UEFA Nations League

In 2019, Cristiano Ronaldo won a UEFA Nations League title with Portugal.

2019: ESPN names Ronaldo world's most famous athlete for the fourth consecutive year

In 2019, for the fourth consecutive year, ESPN named Cristiano Ronaldo as the world's most famous athlete, highlighting his continued global recognition and popularity.

January 2020: Ronaldo Scores 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 and became only the second player to score hat-tricks in the Premier League, La Liga and Serie A.

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

On September 21, 2020, Sporting CP's football academy in Alcochete was renamed Academia Cristiano Ronaldo, honoring his early career contributions to the club.

2020: Golden Boot at Euro 2020

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

2020: Ronaldo Wins Euro Golden Boot

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

2020: Ronaldo Named in Ballon d'Or Dream Team

In 2020, Cristiano Ronaldo was named in the Ballon d'Or Dream Team, acknowledging his place among the greatest players in football history.

February 2021: Ronaldo surpasses 500 million followers on social media

By February 2021, Cristiano Ronaldo became the first person to surpass 500 million total followers across Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, establishing him as the most popular sportsperson on social media.

March 2021: Ronaldo scores 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, to become the first player to score at least 20 goals in 12 consecutive seasons in the top five leagues of Europe.

June 2021: Breaking Men's Goalscoring Record

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

August 2021: Ronaldo re-signs with Manchester United

On 27 August 2021, Manchester United announced they had reached an agreement with Juventus to re-sign Cristiano Ronaldo, subject to agreement of personal terms, visa and medical.

October 2021: Lawsuit Dismissal Recommendation

In October 2021, federal magistrate judge Daniel Albregts recommended that the rape lawsuit be dismissed due to the woman's lawyer's unethical use of Football Leaks documents.

2021: Ronaldo Receives FIFA Special Award for Outstanding Career Achievement

In 2021, Cristiano Ronaldo received a special award from FIFA for Outstanding Career Achievement, recognizing his record-breaking goalscoring success.

2021: Ronaldo Returns to Manchester United

In 2021, Cristiano Ronaldo returned to Manchester United, marking a reunion with his former club.

2021: Mother's Interview About Ronaldo's Alternate Career

In 2021, Cristiano Ronaldo's mother stated in an interview that her son would have been a bricklayer if he had not become a professional football player.

2021: Ronaldo named third highest-paid athlete of 2021 by Sportico

In 2021, Sportico named Cristiano Ronaldo the third highest-paid athlete, with earnings of $120 million, demonstrating his continued financial success.

February 2022: Ronaldo scores first goal of the year

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

June 2022: Rape Lawsuit Dismissed

In June 2022, the woman's rape lawsuit against Ronaldo was dismissed with prejudice in the United States District Court for the District of Nevada due to the lawyer's use of illegally obtained documents.

December 2022: Ronaldo Joins Al-Nassr

On 30 December 2022, Cristiano Ronaldo joined Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, signing a contract until 2025 with the highest football salary ever.

2022: Ronaldo Plays in Fifth World Cup

In 2022, Cristiano Ronaldo played in his fifth World Cup, adding to his legacy on the international stage.

2022: Expecting Twins

In 2022, Ronaldo and Georgina Rodríguez were expecting another set of twins. The male twin died during childbirth while the female twin survived.

2022: Sportico names Ronaldo third highest-paid athlete of 2022

In 2022, Sportico named Cristiano Ronaldo the third highest-paid athlete with earnings of $115 million.

2022: Scoring at Five World Cups

On November 24, 2022, during the 2022 World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to score at five World Cups, netting a penalty against Ghana.

January 2023: Ronaldo Debuts and Scores First Goal for Al-Nassr

On 22 January 2023, Cristiano Ronaldo made his debut for Al-Nassr, and on an unspecified date in January, he scored his first goal in a 2–2 draw against Al-Fateh.

March 2023: Most Capped Male Footballer

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

September 2023: Ronaldo declares his rivalry with Messi is over

In September 2023, Cristiano Ronaldo declared that his long-standing rivalry with Lionel Messi was "over and gone" after 36 official fixtures and 15 years of competing on the same stage.

October 2023: New Owners of Medialivre

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

2023: Ronaldo Joins Al-Nassr

In 2023, Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr, starting a new chapter in his career.

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. This feat equals his goalscoring record from 2016.

2023: Ronaldo confirms meaning of "Siu"

In 2023, almost a decade after its debut, Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed that "Siu" is derived from the Portuguese "sim," meaning "yes," clarifying that "Siuuu" is simply an emphatic expression of "yes".

2023: Forbes and Sportico rank Ronaldo as highest-paid athlete

In 2023, both Forbes and Sportico ranked Cristiano Ronaldo as the highest-paid athlete in the world, with earnings of $275 million, confirming his position as a top earner.

2023: Lisbon City Council approves Medal of Honor for Ronaldo

In 2023, the Lisbon City Council approved awarding Cristiano Ronaldo the Medal of Honor of the City, recognizing his passion and connection to Lisbon.

May 2024: Surpassing League Goal Record

In May 2024, during a home fixture against Al-Ittihad, Cristiano 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 became the first footballer to finish as top scorer in four different leagues: English, Spanish, Italian, and Saudi leagues.

August 2024: Ronaldo's YouTube channel breaks records

On August 21, 2024, after launching his YouTube channel, UR Cristiano, it became the fastest to reach 1 million subscribers in just 90 minutes. It also broke records for reaching 5, 10, 20, 30, and 50 million subscribers and became the most subscribed channel in Portugal.

2024: League Top Scorer

During the 2024 season, Cristiano Ronaldo finished with 25 league goals, securing his position as the league's top scorer for the second consecutive time.

2024: Ronaldo Receives UEFA Award

In 2024, Cristiano Ronaldo received the Champions League All-Time Top Scorer award by UEFA.

2024: Sportico ranks Ronaldo as highest-paid athlete of 2024

In 2024, Sportico named Cristiano Ronaldo the highest-paid athlete, with earnings of $260 million, maintaining his status as a top earner in sports.

2024: First Player in Six European Championships

In Portugal's UEFA Euro 2024 opener against the Czech Republic, Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to feature in six European Championships.

June 2025: Second UEFA Nations League Title

On June 8, 2025, Cristiano Ronaldo won his second UEFA Nations League title, helping Portugal defeat Spain in the final, scoring 8 goals in 9 games in the tournament.