Ronaldo has bid farewell to international footballHe had neither shoes to wear nor enough food for two square meals a day; he would roam barefoot and play on the streets. Yet, today, the world bows in admiration before this athlete. He is currently the wealthiest football player in the world.
Even sporting icons like Virat Kohli consider him their idol. We are talking about Cristiano Ronaldo, who retired from international football on November 5, 2026. Throughout his international career, Ronaldo has set numerous major records.
Some of these records are nearly impossible to break, but beyond these achievements lies the story that shaped Ronaldo into such a monumental player. Let us explore how a boy whose mother once worked as a cleaner in other people's homes rose to become the Cristiano Ronaldo we know today.
The Struggle of Cristiano Ronaldo
The story of Cristiano Ronaldo is one of poverty, sacrifice, and passion. On February 5, 1985, a boy was born in a small neighborhood in Portugal, named Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro.
He had three older siblings. His father, José Dinis Aveiro, worked as a gardener, while his mother, Maria Dolores dos Santos Aveiro, worked in a kitchen during the day and cleaned other people's homes at night. The family faced such severe financial hardship that even securing two square meals a day was a struggle.
There was even a point when Maria Dolores considered terminating her pregnancy, but the doctors refused and ultimately, Ronaldo’s birth proved to be a blessing for her.
How Ronaldo’s Life Changed
Until the age of 8 or 9, Ronaldo used to play in the streets of Portugal often barefoot—but he possessed a talent unlike anyone else. He had exceptional speed, balance, and an insatiable hunger for scoring goals. At the age of 8 or 9, he joined the club Andorinha, and by the age of 12, he received an invitation from the Sporting Lisbon Academy.
Ronaldo was reluctant to leave his mother, but she urged him to take the step, explaining that it was necessary to change the family’s fortunes. Following his mother’s advice, he joined the Lisbon Academy, and at the age of 17, he made his debut for the senior team.
In 2003, Ronaldo delivered a brilliant performance against Manchester United, which proved to be a turning point in his career. The team’s manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, immediately secured a deal for him, and at the age of 18, Ronaldo arrived at Old Trafford.
Manchester United Lifted Ronaldo Out of Poverty
Ronaldo became an exceptional player for Manchester United. In the early stages, the club paid him a weekly salary of 5.5 crore rupees, which later increased to 14 crore rupees per week. Ronaldo spent six years at Manchester United, earning approximately 500 crore rupees during his time there.
Ronaldo’s Move to Real Madrid
In 2009, Real Madrid signed Ronaldo for a world-record fee. He spent a total of nine years at the club, earning as much as 2,700 crore rupees. During his tenure, he won La Liga titles, four Champions League trophies, and five Ballon d'Or awards, earning the moniker "CR7." Ronaldo became a global football brand and one of the wealthiest athletes in the world.
How Ronaldo Pulled Ahead of the Rest
From 2018 to 2021, Ronaldo played for Juventus, earning 1,700 crore rupees over three years. In 2021, he returned to Manchester United, where he earned 250 crore rupees annually. Then, in 2023, he secured a deal that propelled him far ahead of all other footballers; he joined the club Al-Nassr, earning an annual salary of 1,900 crore rupees.
Currently, Ronaldo remains with this club and has earned up to 5,000 crore rupees. Beyond being an athlete, he has also become a successful businessman. Cristiano Ronaldo manages several brands and ventures under the "CR7" name investing in everything from footwear and apparel to hotels and gym chains.
Despite reaching the pinnacle of success, Ronaldo has never forgotten his roots. He provided his mother with all the happiness she had once longed for. He bought her a house, gifted her cars, and ensured she had every comfort. Today, his mother runs her own businesses.
She manages her own restaurant and has her own line of cosmetics. Ronaldo’s story is an inspiring tale of sacrifice and dedication. Through hard work and self-sacrifice, Ronaldo and his mother have demonstrated just what can be achieved.
Also Read: India won the Asian Champions Trophy by defeating Japan 4-1
