Ronaldo turns 40: From a boy who was almost not born, had to beg for food, to a star that the whole world admires

Cristiano Ronaldo’s life story could easily inspire a Hollywood blockbuster.

On February 5, Cristiano Ronaldo officially turned 40, marking a major milestone in the Portuguese superstar’s life.

Now, Ronaldo has everything—wealth, career success, and global fame. But nearly 30 years ago, the boy who left home at 12 likely never dreamed he would achieve all this.

A hard childhood, almost not born

Ronaldo grew up in a poor family with four siblings on the island of Madeira. His father, Mr. Dinis, was rarely home. The responsibility of supporting the family fell on his mother, Mrs. Dolores.

When she was pregnant with Ronaldo, Dolores considered an abortion, fearing she couldn’t afford another child. She even scheduled a doctor’s visit but couldn’t go through with it. Her maternal instincts won, and Ronaldo was born.