Cristiano Ronaldo turns 41: Five lesser-known facts about the G.O.A.T footballer

Cristiano Ronaldo’s life reads like a story that defied every odd placed in front of him. Poverty, rejection, health scares, and personal struggles failed to slow him down. On his 41st birthday, Ronaldo stands tall not just as a football icon but as a symbol of resilience and mental strength.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s greatness has never been limited to goals or trophies. It lies in his mindset, the refusal to settle, the courage to dream bigger, and the discipline to outwork everyone else. On his 41st birthday, let's look into some lesser-known facts about the legend. 

Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro was not named after a politician, but a movie star. His father admired Ronald Reagan’s Hollywood films and chose “Ronaldo” simply out of fandom. A small decision that later became one of the most iconic names in sport.

A Career Nearly Cut Short at 15

At just 15, Ronaldo faced a life-threatening challenge when he was diagnosed with tachycardia, a condition causing an abnormally fast heartbeat. A laser heart surgery saved his career. Remarkably, he left the hospital the same day and returned to training within days, showing the toughness that would define him.

Why CR7 Has No Tattoos

Unlike many athletes, Ronaldo has never had a tattoo. The reason is personal and selfless—he is a regular blood and bone marrow donor. Tattoos can delay donations, and Ronaldo has always wanted to help whenever needed.

Expelled From School, Redirected to Destiny

At 14, Ronaldo was expelled from school after throwing a chair at a teacher. His mother made a life-altering decision, encouraging him to focus solely on football. That turning point set him firmly on the path to greatness.

A Life Almost Never Lived

In her book Mother Courage, Ronaldo’s mother revealed she once considered ending her pregnancy due to poverty and family struggles. Years later, Ronaldo joked about it, highlighting how far he and his family had come.

Records, Goals, and the Pursuit of 1,000

As of February 3, 2026, Ronaldo has scored 961 career goals. He has netted 450 for Real Madrid, 145 for Manchester United, 117 for Al-Nassr, 101 for Juventus, five for Sporting CP, and 143 for Portugal. He is also the Champions League’s all-time top scorer and assister.

A Legacy Beyond Football

With a reported net worth of $1.4 billion as of October 2025, Ronaldo has built a global CR7 brand spanning fashion, fragrance, and hospitality.

At 41, Cristiano Ronaldo is not just celebrating a birthday, he is celebrating a legacy still being written.