Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the greatest footballers of all time, celebrated his 40th birthday on February 5, 2025! We’ve given you Ronaldo facts before including his unusual exercise routine and sleep schedule, but it’s time to give you even more in honor of Portugal’s most famous son! From his early days in Madeira to his incredible career and personal life, here are 40 incredible facts to commemorate his enduring legacy.
1. Born in Madeira – Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro was born on February 5, 1985, in Funchal, Madeira. He was the youngest of four siblings and grew up in a modest household, often sharing a small room with his siblings.
2. Named After Ronald Reagan – His father, José Dinis Aveiro, was a fan of former U.S. President Ronald Reagan, which is how Cristiano got his name. Reagan was a Hollywood actor before becoming a politician, and Ronaldo’s father admired his leadership qualities.
3. His Father Introduced Him to Football – While we’re on the topic, it was Ronaldo’s father who introduced him to football, who worked as an equipment manager at a boy’s club for some time. Despite his father introducing him to the sport that would change his life forever, Ronaldo had a hard time with his father growing up, as he often drank too much.
4. Sporting CP Days – At age 12, Ronaldo left his family to join Sporting CP’s academy in Lisbon, showing immense talent from a young age. He quickly moved through the ranks and made his first-team debut at just 16 years old.
5. Tested with a Heart Condition – At age 15, Ronaldo was diagnosed with tachycardia, a condition that caused his heart to beat irregularly. He underwent a laser procedure to correct the issue, and within days, he was back on the field, continuing his journey to football greatness.
6. Manchester United Breakthrough – He signed with Manchester United in 2003, where he quickly became a star, helping the team win three Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy. Under Sir Alex Ferguson, he evolved from a flashy winger into a goal-scoring machine.
7. Why He Chose #7 – At Manchester United, Ronaldo was given the iconic number 7 jersey, previously worn by legends like George Best and David Beckham. Sir Alex Ferguson encouraged him to take it, which motivated him to rise to greatness and cement his place among football’s elite.
8. Ballon d’Or Winner – Ronaldo has won five Ballon d’Or awards, recognizing him as the world’s best player multiple times. These victories came in 2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2017, demonstrating his sustained excellence.
9. All-Time International Goalscorer – Ronaldo holds the record for the most goals scored in international football, surpassing Iran’s Ali Daei. As of 2025, he has scored over 120 goals for Portugal, solidifying his place in history.
10. Euro 2016 Glory – He captained Portugal to victory in the 2016 UEFA European Championship, securing the nation’s first major international trophy. Despite an injury forcing him off in the final, his leadership from the sidelines was crucial in inspiring his teammates.
11. Champions League Legend – Ronaldo is the all-time top scorer in the UEFA Champions League, with over 140 goals. He has won the competition five times—once with Manchester United and four times with Real Madrid.
12. Real Madrid’s Record Scorer – During his time at Real Madrid (2009-2018), he scored a club-record 450 goals in just 438 matches. His ability to perform in big games made him a fan favorite and a club legend.
13. Expensive Transfer – His move from Manchester United to Real Madrid in 2009 was a world-record transfer fee at the time, costing €94 million. This deal set the standard for future blockbuster transfers in football.
14. Juventus Superstar – In 2018, he joined Juventus and won two Serie A titles, continuing his dominance in European football. He also became the first player to win league titles in England, Spain, and Italy.
15. Al-Nassr Move – In 2023, he joined Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, marking a new chapter in his career. He continued to break records in the Saudi Pro League, proving his talent transcends leagues.
16. Insane Fitness Routine – Ronaldo trains for around five hours a day, six days a week, combining cardio, weight training, and skill drills. His dedication to fitness is one of the main reasons for his longevity in football.
17. Loves Swimming – He frequently swims for recovery and cross-training, believing it helps keep his body in top condition. Swimming also helps improve flexibility and reduce injury risk.
18. Minimal Body Fat – Ronaldo’s body fat percentage is around 7%, which is well below the average for elite athletes. His physique has often been compared to that of a sprinter rather than a traditional footballer.
19. Sleep Obsession – He takes multiple short naps throughout the day instead of one long sleep to optimize recovery. He follows the advice of sleep expert Nick Littlehales, who designed his sleep schedule.
20. Strict Diet – His diet consists of lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, avoiding processed foods and sugary drinks. He eats up to six small meals per day to maintain his energy levels.
21. No Alcohol – Ronaldo doesn’t drink alcohol because his father suffered from alcoholism, which sadly led to his passing. He has been vocal about the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle.
22. Incredible Jump – Ronaldo’s jumping ability is so impressive that he can reach 2.93 meters in the air—higher than an average NBA player. This allows him to score headers with remarkable precision.
23. Speedster – He has been clocked sprinting at nearly 34 km/h, making him one of the fastest footballers ever. His acceleration and agility make him a nightmare for defenders.
24. Loyal to Family – Despite his fame, Ronaldo remains very close to his mother, Dolores, and often credits her for his success. She has been a constant source of support throughout his career.
25. His Partner, Georgina – He met Georgina Rodríguez while she was working as a sales assistant in a Madrid Gucci store, and they’ve been together since 2016. Their relationship has been well-documented in the media and on social media.
26. Father of Five – Ronaldo has five children: Cristiano Jr. (14), twins Mateo and Eva (7), Alana Martina (7), and Bella Esmeralda (2). He often shares heartwarming family moments on social media.
27. Philanthropist – He has donated millions to children’s hospitals, cancer research, and disaster relief efforts. His generosity has made a significant impact worldwide.
28. Madeira Airport Named After Him – The main airport in Funchal, Madeira, was renamed Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport in 2017. A statue of him stands at the entrance.
29. World Cup Appearances – As of 2025, Ronaldo has played in five FIFA World Cups (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022). He is one of the few players to have scored in five different World Cups.
30. Huge Social Media Following – He’s the most-followed person on Instagram, with over 648 million followers. His influence extends far beyond football.
31. Endorsement King – Ronaldo earns millions from endorsements, including deals with Nike, Herbalife, and Clear Shampoo. His lifetime contract with Nike is worth over $1 billion.
32. Property Owner – Big Time – As you might expect, Ronaldo has a huge property investment portfolio worth an estimated €96 million. He currently has owns nine different homes in Portugal, Spain, Dubai, and Italy.
33. Trump Dump – While we’re on the topic of property, Ronaldo used to own a property in Trump Tower in New York City but sold it in 2022 for a $11.32 million loss. He owned it for just under seven years but reportedly sold it due to its association with Donald Trump.
34. Goal Celebration Origin – His iconic “Siuuu” celebration, where he jumps and spins before landing with his arms outstretched, started during his time at Real Madrid. The word “Siu” is Spanish for “Yes!” and was inspired by the fans’ reactions to his goals.
35. Multilingual Skills – Ronaldo speaks several languages fluently, including Portuguese, Spanish, and English. He also understands Italian and has made efforts to communicate with fans and teammates in different countries.
36. Fastest to 100 Champions League Goals – He became the first player to score 100 goals in the UEFA Champions League, reaching the milestone faster than any other player in history. His performances in the competition earned him the nickname “Mr. Champions League.”
37. Guinness World Records Holder – Ronaldo holds multiple Guinness World Records, including the most international goals scored, the most hat-tricks in international football, and the first player to score in five different World Cups.
38. Statue in Madeira – A bronze statue of Ronaldo stands in Funchal, Madeira, near the Cristiano Ronaldo Museum. However, its initial design received criticism for not looking like him, leading to a later redesign.
39. Most International Caps – Ronaldo holds the record for the most international appearances in men’s football, surpassing 200 caps for Portugal. His longevity and consistency at the highest level make him one of the greatest international players of all time.
40. Oldest Player to Score in a European Championship – At Euro 2024, he became the oldest player to score in the tournament’s history, continuing to defy age and maintain his dominance on the international stage.
Happy 40th Birthday, Cristiano Ronaldo! Here’s to more records, achievements, and inspiring moments in the years ahead!
