Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro was born on February 5, 1985, in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal. Growing up in a humble family, football was his escape and his passion. His father worked as a kit man at a local club, and his mother was a cook. From a young age, Ronaldo’s dream was clear — he wanted to become a professional footballer.
He started playing for a small local team called Andorinha when he was just 8. His talent quickly stood out, and soon he moved to Nacional, one of Madeira’s top clubs. By the time he was 12, Ronaldo left his family behind to join Sporting CP’s academy in Lisbon — a brave move that changed his life forever.