20/09/2024
10 lesser-known and interesting facts about Cristiano Ronaldo CR7:
1. Named After a President:
Cristiano Ronaldo was named after Ronald Reagan, the 40th President of the United States. His father admired Reagan, who was an actor before becoming president, which is how Ronaldo got his middle name.
2. Heart Surgery Saved His Career:
At just 15, Ronaldo was diagnosed with tachycardia, a condition that causes a rapid heartbeat. This life-threatening issue could have ended his football career, but he underwent laser surgery to correct it, allowing him to continue playing.
3. A Goal in Every Minute:
Ronaldo has achieved a unique milestone: he’s scored goals in every single minute of a football match—from the 1st to the 90th minute—throughout his career. No other player in football history has done this.
4. Phenomenal Physical Condition:
Despite his age, Ronaldo’s fitness levels are exceptional. At the age of 38, he still maintains a body fat percentage under 10% and a muscle mass close to 50%, numbers that rival athletes in their prime.
5. Tattoo-Free for a Reason:
While many footballers sport tattoos, Ronaldo has none. This is because he regularly donates blood and bone marrow. Having tattoos would mean he’d have to wait months between donations, and he prefers to stay eligible to donate regularly.
6. Generous Heart:
Ronaldo is also known for his philanthropy. He once donated €1.5 million to fund schools in Gaza by auctioning off his Golden Boot award. His charitable acts include contributions to hospitals, cancer research, and disaster relief efforts.
7. One of the Fastest on the Field:
Even in his late 30s, Ronaldo continues to impress with his speed. His top sprint speed during a game was recorded at 33.6 km/h (20.9 mph), rivaling professional sprinters, and proving that he’s still one of the fastest footballers in the world.
8. Versatile Goal Scorer:
Ronaldo’s scoring ability is remarkable not just for the number of goals, but for how he scores them. He’s netted goals with his head, both feet, his chest, and even his shoulder, showing how versatile he is as a player.
9. Almost Signed by Liverpool:
Before signing with Manchester United, Ronaldo was on Liverpool’s radar, but the club turned him down due to his high price tag. Sir Alex Ferguson later signed him for United, a decision that proved to be one of the greatest in football history.
10. Obsessed with Perfection:
Ronaldo’s success comes from his obsession with self-improvement. He spends extra hours after training sessions honing his skills, especially working on his weaker foot. His commitment to perfecting his game sets him apart as a true professional.
These lesser-known facts highlight Ronaldo's extraordinary work ethic, resilience, and generosity, giving us a deeper understanding of what has made him one of the greatest footballers in history.
