Cristiano Ronaldo - Greatest Soccer Player of All Time
- Jason Zhao
- Apr 27, 2023
- 2 min read
Updated: May 12, 2023

The Portuguese soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the most acclaimed, celebrated and revered athletes in the world. While he was born to a frugal household with no status on 5th February 1985, Cristiano eventually surprised everyone with his indomitable ambition, focus and determination. Cristiano rose to stardom from little to nothing, and continuously inspires young players with his mentality of steel.
Contrary to many other soccer players, Ronaldo faced numerous setbacks during his childhood and career. Ronaldo today with his shiny white smile and extravagant race cars may have you thinking he was born to a family of class, wealth and privilege. The truth is far from it, as “[Ronaldo] grew up with nothing… very poor… no toys or presents at Christmas''. Young Ronaldo did not have many support networks as his father was a farmer, alcoholic and died of liver cancer. Ron struggled with academics and his sadness towards losing earned him the nickname of crybaby. However, his mother relentlessly supported him, regarding him endearingly as a little bee to remind Ronaldo of his impressive speed. At the age of fifteen, he had a heart surgery. Despite his tragic upbringing, Ronaldo never stopped playing soccer. Obstacles never quashed his energy, and his faith, hope and optimism just kept on growing.
Although Cristiano lived a turbulent childhood, his passion for soccer has always been unconditional. In his own words, “Without football, [his] life is worth nothing.” Coaches admire and applaud Ronaldo for his dynamic ability to shoot and score with pinpoint accuracy even from close to impossible angles on the soccer field. This was proven at the age of 23 in his champions league game that he made an inimitable bicycle kick from 24 yards away with uncanny precision. In the intimidating matches that preceded, Ronaldo surpassed and challenged all expectations. He matched the ability of a hunting cheetah in the African Safari, effortlessly dribbling the ball at a stunning speed of 32.51km/h and launching himself at heights that would qualify him for the NBA championships.
Today, Ronaldo continues to play soccer with invincible strength, speed and agility. However, he also actively seeks to do philanthropy. He vowed to do good things for the community, and he has a long list of good guy gestures, such as donating towards cancer research and showering his fans with love. He became a huge blood donor for the children’s hospitals. Ronald understands that he cannot change the world, but he can always help. He now has a family of his own, and regularly coaches his son Cristiano Junior to be motivated and courageous like him.
In the 2022 Quarter Finals against Morocco, Ronaldo lost against the Morocco team. This is a big victory for Morocco who became the 1st African team to advance to the semi-finals in the World Cup. Cristiano may have lost, but his spirit will one again place him on the throne again. Cristiano's story reflects the secret to success - “Dedication, hard work all the time, and belief.” He never lets go of his dreams, and he will continue to inspire many young people worldwide. “I don’t have to show anything to anyone. There is nothing to prove.”
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