10 Things You Didn’t Know About Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo is a global icon, a football legend, and one of the most recognized athletes in history. But beyond his flashy goals and record-breaking stats, there’s a world of fascinating details many fans still don’t know about the Portuguese superstar. Here are the top 10 lesser-known facts about Cristiano Ronaldo that reveal the man behind the legend.

1. He Was Named After Ronald Reagan

Yes, Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro was named after former U.S. President Ronald Reagan, who was also a Hollywood actor. Ronaldo's father admired Reagan, not for his politics, but for his film career and charisma.

2. He Had Heart Surgery at Age 15

At just 15 years old, Ronaldo was diagnosed with a racing heart, a condition that could have ended his career before it began. He underwent laser surgery to correct the issue and returned to training just a few days later.

Stat: Ronaldo has scored over 936 career goals as of 2025 — a feat made possible thanks to that life-saving operation.

3. He Doesn’t Drink Alcohol or Have Tattoos

Unlike many footballers, Cristiano Ronaldo has no tattoos. His reason? He donates blood regularly and tattoos can affect blood donation eligibility. Also, due to his father's struggles with alcohol, Ronaldo has never consumed alcohol.

4. He Was Expelled From School for Throwing a Chair

In a rare moment of rebellion, a young Ronaldo was expelled from school for throwing a chair at a teacher he said “disrespected” him. This event marked his complete transition into focusing solely on football.

5. He Can Jump Higher Than an NBA Player

Studies have shown that Ronaldo’s jump can reach 78 cm (30.7 inches) — higher than the average NBA vertical leap. His extraordinary fitness and core strength allow him to score many iconic headers.

Key Stat: Ronaldo’s highest recorded jump during a match was 2.93 meters (9.6 feet) against Sampdoria in 2019.

6. His First Salary Was Just €15 a Week

Before becoming the world’s highest-paid athlete, Ronaldo’s first salary at Sporting Lisbon was a mere €15 a week. In 2025, he earns over $200 million annually, including endorsements and his Al-Nassr contract.

7. He Owns the World’s Most Followed Instagram Account

As of 2025, Ronaldo has over 650 million Instagram followers, making him the most followed individual on Instagram. His social media reach is more valuable than most Fortune 500 brands.

Pro Tip: Brands pay up to $3 million per post for a shoutout from CR7.

8. He Trains More Than 5 Hours Daily, 5 Days a Week

Cristiano’s work ethic is legendary. He follows a strict training regimen that includes gym sessions, pitch training, swimming, cryotherapy, and specialized diets. His physique at age 40 puts many athletes to shame.

Quote: “Talent without working hard is nothing.” — Cristiano Ronaldo

9. He’s a Business Mogul With a $1 Billion Brand

Ronaldo’s CR7 brand includes perfumes, clothing, footwear, gyms, and even luxury hotels. He’s also a savvy investor in real estate and digital startups.

Net Worth (2025): Estimated over $1.1 billion

10. He Speaks Multiple Languages

Although fluent in Portuguese, Ronaldo also speaks English, Spanish, and a bit of Italian. His international career across clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and Al-Nassr helped him develop this skill.

Final Thoughts

Cristiano Ronaldo is more than a footballer — he’s a phenomenon, a disciplined athlete, a philanthropist, and a billionaire businessman. These lesser-known facts about Cristiano Ronaldo give a deeper insight into what makes CR7 truly unique.

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