Born on February 5, 1985, in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo’s journey to football superstardom began in the humble surroundings of his hometown. From a young age, Ronaldo displayed an innate talent and passion for the game, honing his skills on the streets and local pitches of Madeira. His early prowess caught the attention of Sporting CP’s scouts, leading to his move to Lisbon at the age of 12, where he joined the renowned club’s youth academy.
Ronaldo’s rapid ascent continued at Sporting CP, where his electrifying performances earned him a senior team debut at just 17 years old. His exceptional speed, dribbling ability, and eye for goal soon attracted the interest of Manchester United, and in 2003, Ronaldo made the pivotal move to the English club under the guidance of legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson.