Striker Cristiano Ronaldo never thought he would become a soccer star, but is proud that he has been at the top of the soccer world for the past 20 years.
“I started playing football at home and on the street when I was 7, 8, 9 years old and it all started from there,” Ronaldo said on Whoop Podcast on May 15. “Football is my first love. But at that time, I never thought I would become a superstar. Even when I was 16 years old, maybe later, when I was 18 years old.”
The Portuguese striker considers his late father, José Dinis Aveiro, to be his motivation to pursue his dream. “Dad always emphasized that I must pursue my dream,” Ronaldo expressed. “He saw I had talent and encouraged me to play on the streets and for the local team Andorinha.”
Ronaldo celebrates a goal in Al Nassr’s 6-0 win over AlWehda in the Saudi Pro League on May 5. Photo: Al Nassr
© Provided by VnExpress
Ronaldo apprenticed at Sporting Lisbon from 1997 to 2002, then played one season for the B team and first team. In 2003, he moved to Man Utd for a transfer price of about 19 million USD (12.24 million pounds) and took over the legendary number 7 shirt David Beckham. The Portuguese striker matured significantly, scoring 118 goals, winning three Premier Leagues and one Champions League.
Ronaldo’s career continued to rise when he moved to Real Madrid. During his nine years playing in Spain, he won four Champions Leagues, two La Ligas, and set a record of 450 goals for Real. After that, Ronaldo played for Juventus in the period 2018-2021, scoring 101 goals in 134 matches, winning two Serie A, one Italian Cup and two Italian Super Cups.
In the summer of 2021, Ronaldo returned to Man Utd but the return was not as successful as expected. The Portuguese striker scored 27 goals in 54 matches, did not win any more titles, then publicly criticized the club in an interview with MC Piers Morgan and terminated his contract. In January 2023, Ronaldo joined Al Nassr and has so far scored 58 goals in 64 matches.
Ronaldo has scored 58 goals in 64 matches with Al Nassr in all competitions. Photo: Al Nassr
© Provided by VnExpress
“I’m proud to be at this age and still play at the highest level,” Ronaldo said. “It’s amazing and it gives me the motivation to keep going. If you look at my career over the last 20 years, the level of play has always been very high. If you’re at the top for 20 years, it’s unbelievable. I did it and I continue to do it. To me, that’s a great achievement.”
At the age of 39, Ronaldo is still playing explosively with 14 assists and 53 goals through 53 matches from the beginning of the 2023-2024 season for club and team. In particular, the Portuguese striker leads the top scorer race with 33 goals in the Saudi Pro League, seven goals more than Aleksandar Mitrovic. It is almost certain that Ronaldo will become the first player to win top scorer in four countries, including Saudi Arabia, England, Italy and Spain.
“My biggest motivation is to continue,” Ronaldo expressed. “It’s not easy to reach this level. Still working hard, determined, continuing, scoring goals, being in good form, competing with young players. When they meet me, they want to prove that they are stronger and faster than me. You have to prepare well not only physically but also mentally. This is also a challenge.”
Ronaldo also succeeded when playing for Portugal. In 2016, CR7 contributed to bringing Portugal to its first Euro championship. Ronaldo’s 128 goals for Portugal are currently a record in the international arena. He also won five Golden Balls in 2008, 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2017.
