Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo is a Portuguese footballer who has been considered one of the world's best football players. He currently plays as a winger or a forward for Real Madrid and serves as captain of the Portuguese national team.

Ronaldo began his career at the age of eight, as a youth player for amateur team C.F. Andorinha, where his father was the kit man. After two years, in 1995, he moved to Nacional da Madeira.

In 1997, after a title-winning campaign, he went on a three-day trial with Sporting CP, who subsequently signed him for an undisclosed sum. He joined the club's football academy, in Alcochete, and became the only player ever to play for Sporting's U-16, U-17, U-18, B-team, and first team, all within one season. He scored two goals in his Sporting debut against Moreirense, while featuring for Portugal in the 2002 European Under-17 Championship.

His performance and precocious talent eventually caught the attention of Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson, when Sporting defeated United 3–1 in the inauguration of the Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon, in the summer of 2003. Soon after, Ferguson signed the then 18-year-old Cristiano for £12.24 million. Ronaldo rose to great popularity after playing decisive moves in several games and scoring many goals.

His high valuation as a player was cemented in 2009, with his transfer to Real Madrid, which at £80 million (€94m, US$132m), made him the most expensive player in football history. He also became the highest paid football player in the world, with his 6-year contract with Real Madrid earning him £11 million per year.

He was born in Funchal, Madeira, as the youngest of four children. His second given name, "Ronaldo", was chosen after then-U.S. president Ronald Reagan, who was his father's favourite actor.

Ronaldo's father died of alcoholism at age 52 when Ronaldo was 20. Ronaldo has claimed not to drink alcohol as a result.

Ronaldo's autobiography, titled Moments, was published in December 2007. On 9 June 2010, the world-famous wax museum Madame Tussauds unveiled Ronaldo's wax sculpture.