SOCCER PLAYER – CRISTIANO RONALDO

Introduction:

Born on 5th of February 1985 in Funchal, Madeira, Cristiano Ronaldo is a professional Portuguese soccer player.  Currently, Cristiano plays for Portugal and the English Club Manchester United F.C.  Cristiano’s craze for soccer was expected when he began his primary school education at the age of six, because Cristiano started to hit the ball at the age of three only.  Cristiano played his first amateur soccer match for Andorinha at the age of eight.  Cristiano’s status began to grow in Portugal in 1995, when he was just ten years of age.  The CD Nacional and CS Maritimo both considered as Madeira’s top two teams were attracted towards the popularity of Cristiano to have a deal with him.  Cristiano ultimately got signed for Nacional.  Cristiano’s shots at the UEFA under 17 championships provided him a mass attraction from the wider soccer world.

International Career:

In August 2003, Cristiano made his international debut against Kazakhstan.  Portugal’s only goal in the 2-1 loss to Greece included the one and only goal from Cristiano.  Cristiano also shot the first goal in the semi final against the Netherlands in the Euro 2004 Cup, which the Portugal won eventually.  Cristiano was the second highest scorer in FIFA World Cup qualification rounds with a total of 7 goals in the European zone, while representing Portugal at the Summer Olympics 2004.  In total of 25 appearances Cristiano has shot 11 goals for his nation.  The first World Cup goal for Cristiano was against Iran through a penalty kick.