Cristiano Ronaldo Biography and Timeline

Champions League Qualifying Debut

Makes his professional debut as a substitute for Sporting against Inter in a Champions League qualifier.

Role range: 2002-2003

Sporting First-Team Debut

Makes his Sporting first-team debut against Inter in European qualifying.

Role range: 2002-2003

Sporting Senior League Debut Against Braga

Cristiano Ronaldo entered senior Portuguese league football with Sporting CP against Braga, taking the first step in a career that soon attracted leading European clubs.

Two First-League Goals Against Moreirense

Ronaldo scored twice for Sporting CP against Moreirense, showing the pace and attacking confidence that made him an exceptional teenage prospect.

Manchester United Transfer

Signs for Manchester United after impressing against the English club.

Role range: 2003-2009

Move to English Football

Becomes the first Portuguese player to represent Manchester United.

Role range: 2003-2009

First International Appearance

Begins an international career that produces unprecedented appearance records.

Role range: 2003-

Portugal Senior Debut

Makes his senior Portugal debut in a friendly against Kazakhstan.

Role range: 2003-

First Manchester United Goal Against Portsmouth

Ronaldo scored a direct free kick against Portsmouth, opening his Manchester United account during a 3-0 Premier League victory.

Manchester United Debut Against Bolton

Ronaldo came off the bench against Bolton Wanderers and immediately unsettled defenders with his dribbling during a 4-0 home win.

Euro Semi-Final Header Against Netherlands

Ronaldo scored the opening goal against the Netherlands as Portugal won 2-1 and advanced to the European Championship final on home soil.

First England Cup Final Goal Against Millwall

Ronaldo headed Manchester United in front against Millwall during the FA Cup final, helping his club claim the trophy with a 3-0 victory.

First European Championship Goal Against Greece

Ronaldo headed a late goal against Greece in Portugal's opening Euro 2004 match, beginning his scoring record at major international tournaments.

Manchester United League Goal Against Newcastle

Ronaldo scored against Newcastle United in a Premier League win as he continued developing from a young winger into a more reliable attacking contributor.

First World Cup Goal Against Iran

Ronaldo converted a penalty against Iran during Portugal's 2-0 World Cup group-stage victory, registering his first goal at a men's World Cup.

International Caps

Represents Portugal during the 2006 World Cup as the national team progresses to the semi-finals.

League Cup Final Goal Against Wigan

Ronaldo scored Manchester United's second goal against Wigan Athletic as the team won the League Cup final 4-0.

First Champions League Goals

Scores twice against Roma after going more than thirty Champions League appearances without a goal.

Championship Season With United's New Attack

Ronaldo played a central role in Manchester United reclaiming the Premier League title, combining wing play with a sharply increased goalscoring contribution.

FA Cup Semi-Final Winning Goal Against Watford

Ronaldo opened the scoring against Watford as Manchester United won their FA Cup semi-final 4-1 to reach Wembley.

PFA Players Player of the Year Recognition

Ronaldo received the PFA Players' Player of the Year award after an outstanding Manchester United season featuring pace, goals and increasingly assured decision-making.

Champions League Victory

Wins the Champions League with Manchester United against Chelsea.

Role range: 2003-2009

Champions League Winner

Cristiano Ronaldo headed United ahead during the first half before the match went to penalties in the 2008 UEFA Champions League final, helping Manchester United win the competition.

Manchester United European Title

Scores during the final before United prevail on penalties.

Role range: 2003-2009

Ronaldo Champions League Final Header

Heads Manchester United into the lead against Chelsea before the match goes to penalties.

Golden Boot Premier League

Collects the Premier League leading-scorer distinction after scoring 31 goals for Manchester United. The award recognises a landmark campaign combining wide play and relentless finishing.

Golden Boot UEFA Champions League

Finishes as the leading goalscorer in the UEFA Champions League with 8 goals for Manchester United. The campaign is particularly remembered for scoring on the way to Manchester United’s victory in Moscow.

Ballon d'Or

Wins his first Ballon d'Or after an outstanding club season.

Role range: 2008-2008

World Player Recognition

Becomes the first Portuguese winner since Luis Figo.

Role range: 2008-2008

FIFA Club World Cup Final Winner for United

Ronaldo supplied the cross headed home by Wayne Rooney as Manchester United defeated LDU Quito to become FIFA Club World Cup champions.

Forty-Two Goals Across All Club Competitions

Ronaldo finished the 2007-08 season with 42 Manchester United goals in all competitions, helping the club win both the Premier League and Champions League.

Premier League Championship

Cristiano Ronaldo wins the 2007/08 Premier League championship with Manchester United and scores 31 league goals and claims the Golden Boot during an outstanding campaign.

Real Madrid Presentation

Is presented as a Real Madrid player at the Bernabeu.

Role range: 2009-2018

World Record Transfer

Completes a world-record transfer from Manchester United.

Role range: 2009-2018

Champions League Free Kick Against Arsenal

Ronaldo struck an outstanding long-range free kick at the Emirates Stadium and later finished a counterattack as United reached the Champions League final.

First Real Madrid Goal Against Deportivo

Ronaldo converted a penalty on his competitive Real Madrid debut against Deportivo La Coruña, beginning his record-breaking scoring career in Spain.

First World Cup Goal Against North Korea

Ronaldo scored during Portugal's 7-0 victory over North Korea at the World Cup in South Africa, ending a lengthy international scoring drought.

Four Goals Against Racing Santander

Ronaldo scored four times in a 6-1 victory over Racing Santander, illustrating how quickly he had become Real Madrid's principal scoring threat.

Golden Boot La Liga

Scores 40 goals for Real Madrid to claim the La Liga scoring honour. The achievement reflects surpassing the previous 38-game-era scoring standard.

Copa del Rey Final Extra-Time Header

Ronaldo rose to meet Ángel Di María's cross and headed the only goal of Real Madrid's Copa del Rey final victory over Barcelona.