Love him or hate him-and unless you're a Madridista, it's most likely the latter-it's all about Cristiano Ronaldo.
The reigning FIFA Ball d'Or winner celebrates his 30th birthday on Thursday. To commemorate the latest milestone of his seasoned life, we look back at the 10 moments that have already defined his career.
10. Dating Irina Shayk
Footballistically, this doesn't belong here, but being able to come home to a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model solidifies Ronaldo as a winner both on and off the pitch...even if the two are rumored to have split.
9. Opening the Cristiano Ronaldo Museum
You have a shrine of your high school football trophies on your computer table...Ronaldo has his own museum in his hometown of Madeira.
8. Manchester United Debut
Ronaldo made his Manchester United debut as a substitute on August 16, 2003.
7. Award Season 2008
Not yet at the peak of his powers, Ronaldo finished his 2008 campaign with Manchester United by winning the FWA Player of the Year, PFA Players' Player of the Year and Barclays Player of the Year for a second-consecutive season.
6. First Champions League Title
Speaking of 2008, though he missed from the spot in the penalty shootout, Ronaldo helped Manchester United lift the Champions League title, the first of his illustrious career.
5. Breaking the World Transfer-Fee Record
The summer of 2009 saw the end of Ronaldo's Manchester United career and the beginning of the next chapter of his life. At the time, his transfer to Real Madrid came at a record £80 million.
4. Winning the 2012 La Liga Title
It took three seasons, but Ronaldo finally ended Barcelona's spell in La Liga. Madrid finished the 2012 season with 100 points and a nine-point gap.
3. Lifting Portugal to the 2014 World Cup
It was billed as Zlatan Ibrahimovic vs. Cristiano Ronaldo, and it lived up to the hype. After a brace from Ibrahimovic brought Sweden within a goal of qualifying for the 2014 World Cup, Ronaldo responded in the only fashion he could: A hat-trick of his own to seal the 3-2 victory.
2. Winning the 2013 Ballon d'Or
Having seen Lionel Messi win the previous four, Ronaldo finally broke the Argentine's streak by accepting the 2013 Ballon d'Or.
1. Winning "La Decima"
The most prestigious trophy returned to the most prestigious club in 2014. Though injury prevented him from truly shining on the world's biggest stage, Ronaldo's Champions League campaign (17 goals) up to the final undoubtedly helped Real Madrid lift an unprecedented 10th European title.
© 2023 Sportsworldnews.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
