4 Facts You Didn’t Know about Cristiano Ronaldo

One of the world’s most famous footballers, Cristiano Ronaldo has become a major sporting icon, with many accolades to his name and a massive global fanbase to boot!

Here are four facts you didn’t know about CR7:

Heart Problems

At age of 15, Ronaldo was diagnosed with a “racing heart” – a palpitating heart condition that could have ended his budding soccer career. Fortunately, he underwent surgery, was sidelined only briefly, and made a full recovery.

Record Signings

In 2003, 18-year-old Ronaldo transferred from the Portuguese club, Sporting CP, to Manchester United for £12.24 million. At that time, he was the most expensively purchased teenager in English soccer history.

Six years later, he joined Real Madrid for a then-world record transfer fee of £80 million.

Number 7

Man United’s Number 7 jersey has been donned by the likes of David Beckham and Eric Cantona, the greatest players to ever emerge from the English club.

Although he was weary of the storied jersey at first, Ronaldo was convinced by then-coach, Sir Alex Ferguson, to take it up. Now, the Portuguese star is fondly known by his nickname, “CR7” – a combination of his initials and the jersey number.

Going for Gold

Between 2008 and 2017, Ronaldo won the coveted Ballon d’Or award five times. He is the second most decorated men’s player to have won the accolade, with rival Lionel Messi having won the award six times.

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