1985 was a special year. The 5th of February is a special day every year, because in 1985 the greatest footballer of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo, was born.
Let’s learn some fascinating moments from right after Ronaldo’s birth.
When Cristiano Ronaldo was still in his mother’s womb, his maternal aunt (his mother’s sister) worked at a Christian orphanage. During that time, she told Ronaldo’s mother, “If it’s a baby boy, we will name him ‘Cristiano’.” The name Cristiano was loved by Ronaldo’s parents, brothers, and sisters.
Ronaldo’s father was a big fan of American actor and former U.S. President Ronald Reagan. Together, Ronaldo’s parents chose the name “Ronaldo” from Ronald Reagan’s name.
Thus, the name given by his aunt—Cristiano, and the name chosen by his parents from Ronald Reagan—Ronaldo, combined to form Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo’s full name is Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro. Here, dos Santos comes from his mother’s family name, and Aveiro comes from his father’s family name.
A few days after his birth, Ronaldo was baptized into Christianity at a church called Santo António in Madeira, Portugal. Coincidentally, that day was also closely connected to football.
During his free time, Ronaldo’s father worked as a kitman for the amateur club CF Andorinha in Santo António. According to Christian tradition, a godfather was needed for Ronaldo, so his father requested Fernão Barros Sousa, the captain of Andorinha, to take that role.
Ronaldo’s baptism ceremony at the church was scheduled for 6:00 PM. However, earlier that day at 4:00 PM, Andorinha had a football match against Ribeira Brava.
The respected local priest, António Rodrigues Rebelo, became quite anxious. All the other children had already been baptized, but there was still no sign of Ronaldo’s father or godfather. Ronaldo’s mother and godmother were trying to keep baby Ronaldo calm, carrying him and walking behind the priest.
Finally, half an hour later, Ronaldo’s father and his godfather—the Andorinha club captain—arrived at the church after finishing the match. After that, Ronaldo’s baptism ceremony was completed without any further issues.
Once, during Christmas, I gave him (Ronaldo) a remote-controlled car, thinking it would keep him busy. But he preferred football more than the toy car. He used to sleep with the football and never let it out of his hands. He always carried the ball with him wherever he went.
— Cristiano Ronaldo’s godfather, Fernão Barros Sousa
Ronaldo played for Andorinha from the age of 7 to 10. It was at this club that his football journey truly began.