The childhood story of Cristiano Ronaldo, who is considered to be the most feted footballer in history, has been both inspiring and revealing.
Born on February 5, 1985, in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal, he spent his formative years in an economically low-income home as the fourth of four children.
His father, José Dinis Aveiro, used to be the kit man at the local football club Andorinha through which he brought young Cristiano into the world of football.
Early secret struggles many fans didn’t know
Ronaldo’s early life was a hand-to-mouth affair.
His family used to stay in a small house having a zinc roof. His mother, Maria Dolores used to work as a cook and cleaner to Rear the family.
Amidst all this, young Ronaldo had already developed an interest in football.
He used to play with bigger boys, and that helped him in sharpening his skills and fostered a fighting spirit in him.
He was not immune to challenges in his childhood; in fact, he still remembers begging for food together with his friends outside fast-food restaurants nearby, an indication of how bad the situation was.
Eight years of Ronaldo early life
At eight years, Ronaldo joined the Andorinha academy, where he broke through. His talent was undeniable, and he earned the nickname “Cry Baby” for his emotional reactions during the games.
He used to cry when he lost or if things didn’t go his way. About that time, his will and skill set him apart from peers. By the age of ten, he was already being noticed as something phenomenal and drew the attention of scouts in the vicinity.
He lived a life in Lisbon
It was when he was recruited by Sporting Lisbon at just 12 years old that Ronaldo really came into his own. He had to leave his family and move to the mainland, which was a hard thing to do for a boy of his age.
Obviously, relocation wasn’t easy. At school, he would be bullied about his accent, and it would be a totally different environment without the succor of his family.
How he responded to the rigors showed in the end; he dug in and went on to excel at Sporting.
some health challenges of Christiano Ronaldo
At 15 years, Ronaldo was caught up with a critical health hitch as he was diagnosed with tachycardia, a situation that made his heart race at abnormal levels.
This landed him on the table for laser heart surgery from which he recovered and resumed his football activities without hassle.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s childhood is of fortitude and strong passion.
From very little to having so much, he grew to become one of the greatest footballers ever.
His story can motivate many people that hard work and determination can eventually overthrow barriers that lie in the way of success.
Today, Ronaldo doesn’t shine only on the field; he gives back through a number of charitable initiatives, hence proving that his heart remains as big as his talent
K Fosu The Informant is a lifestyle blogger with 6 years' experience in content and web development. He is a Google keyword planner, SEO analyst, an influencer and entrepreneur who holds BA Degree from Ghana's Premier University.
