10 Surprising Facts About Cristiano Ronaldo That You Might Not Know
Cristiano Ronaldo, often regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, has captivated millions of fans around the world with his incredible skills, relentless work ethic, and impressive list of achievements. However, many intriguing aspects of Ronaldo's life and career remain lesser-known. Here are 10 surprising facts about Cristiano Ronaldo that might surprise even his most dedicated fans.
1. His Name Was Inspired by a U.S. President
Cristiano Ronaldo's full name is Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro. Interestingly, his father named him after Ronald Reagan, the 40th President of the United States. Ronaldo's father, José Dinis Aveiro, was a big fan of Reagan, who was an actor before becoming a politician. This unique name reflects a blend of American and Portuguese influences.
2. He Underwent Heart Surgery at 15
At the age of 15, Ronaldo was diagnosed with a racing heart, a condition that could have ended his football career before it even began. The condition required him to undergo heart surgery. Fortunately, the surgery was successful, allowing him to continue his pursuit of a professional football career. Ronaldo's incredible physical fitness today is a testament to how far he has come since then.
3. Liverpool Almost signed him
Before making his move to Manchester United in 2003, Ronaldo was on the radar of several top European clubs, including Liverpool. However, Liverpool’s then-manager, Gérard Houllier, passed on the opportunity to sign him due to his young age and perceived lack of experience. Manchester United swooped in and signed him for £12.24 million, a decision that proved to be one of the best in football history.
4. He Donates Blood Regularly
Unlike many athletes who adorn their bodies with tattoos, Ronaldo remains ink-free. The reason behind this is his commitment to donating blood regularly. In many countries, including his native Portugal, people with tattoos are advised to wait a certain period before they can donate blood. Ronaldo’s decision to forgo tattoos is a reflection of his dedication to helping those in need.
5. He Has Scored in Every Minute of a Football Match
One of the most remarkable records Ronaldo holds is that he has scored in every minute of a football match, from the 1st to the 90th minute. This unique achievement highlights his consistency and ability to deliver under pressure, no matter what stage of the game it is.
6. He is a Guinness World Record Holder
Ronaldo has several Guinness World Records to his name, including the record for the most goals scored in a UEFA Champions League season (17 goals in the 2013-14 season) and the most followed person on Instagram, with over 300 million followers. These records are a testament to his global influence both on and off the pitch.
7. He Once Paid for a Child’s Life-Saving Surgery
Ronaldo is known for his philanthropic efforts, but one of the most heartwarming acts of generosity came in 2014 when he paid for a child’s life-saving brain surgery. The child's family reached out to Ronaldo for help, and he covered the entire cost of the surgery, showcasing his compassion and willingness to use his wealth for good causes.
8. He Holds a Degree in a Non-Football Subject
In 2015, the University of Lisbon awarded Ronaldo an honorary doctorate in Sports and Physical Education. This degree was not just for his contributions to football but also for his impact on sports science, where his physical prowess and conditioning have been the subject of academic studies.
9. He is the First Billionaire Footballer
In 2020, Ronaldo became the first footballer in history to surpass $1 billion in career earnings, according to Forbes. This milestone made him only the third athlete, after Tiger Woods and Floyd Mayweather, to reach billionaire status while still actively competing. His wealth comes from his salary, endorsements, and various business ventures.
10. He Once Scored a Hat-Trick in Less Than 10 Minutes
During his time at Real Madrid, Ronaldo scored a remarkable hat-trick in just 8 minutes against Granada in 2015. This rapid-fire performance is one of the many examples of his incredible goal-scoring ability and his knack for producing magic moments on the pitch.
Conclusion
