Cristiano Ronaldo Profile

Acknowledged as one of the top three strikers in the world, Cristiano Ronaldo will play a critical role for Portugal during the country’s 2010 Football World Cup campaign. After struggling with an ankle injury during qualifying, Ronaldo will be tasked with adding penetration to an attack that struggled to dominate opposition defences during his absence.

Playing Position: Winger, Forward
Club: Real Madrid
Jersey Number: 9

Cristiano Ronaldo Bio

Cristiano Ronaldo was born on the 5th of February 1985 in Funchal, Madeira. Born into a working class family, Ronaldo was introduced to football by his father, a kit man for the local club. Ronaldo’s talent was obvious from an early age, as he secured his first professional contract with Sporting Club Portugal at the age of 11.

Ronaldo went on to spend 2 years playing for the Sporting Club Portugal youth teams. Despite scoring only 3 goals for the club during this period, his obvious skill was apparent to visiting Premier League managers.

Cristiano Ronaldo Career

Manchester United’s Sir Alex Ferguson was quick to act once he’d been made aware of Ronaldo’s potential, and the young Portuguese striker was signed to Old Trafford in 2003. Ronaldo was handed the number 7 jersey at United, the number formerly worn by club stars including David Beckham, Eric Cantona and George Best.

Ronaldo was slow to warm to football at Old Trafford, scoring just 18 goals in his first 3 seasons at the club. However, Ronaldo came into his own during the 2006-2007 season, scoring 17 league goals. The following season saw Ronaldo score 31 goals in the Premier League, breaking the single season scoring record for a midfielder previously held by George Best.

While Ronaldo was slow to reach his best in the Premier League, he proved to be an instant success on the international front. As a member of the Portuguese national football team, Cristianto Ronaldo scored 7 goals during the qualifying campaign for the 2006 World Cup and another 7 during qualifying for the Euro2008 tournament.

The 2009-2010 season was marked by upheaval for Ronaldo, as he pulled up roots at Manchester United to move to Real Madrid, and struggled to overcome an ankle injury that prevented him from competing in the latter stages of Portugal’s World Cup qualifying campaign.

Cristiano Ronaldo Playing Style

Cristiano Ronaldo’s playing style has been compared to that of former Manchester United wings Ryan Giggs and George Best. The Portuguese winger is regarded as something of a showman, and his flamboyant goal celebrations and on-pitch dramatics have often attracted criticism. Ronaldo is lethal on attack, combining creativity with clinical finishing.