Before Cristiano Ronaldo made it to the top of football, he grew up in Portuguese clubs. First at Andorinhi, then at Nacional Funchal and then at Sporting Lisbon, where he made his debut at senior level. As a 17-year-old he made it into the first team, where he played 21 games, scoring five goals and tallying six assists. And just a year later he was training under Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.

He is not only one of the best footballers in history, but also a symbol of modern Portugal. According to the Polish Press Agency, his impact on the country's tourism is invaluable, although the exact returns have yet to be estimated. In 2017, the airport in Funchal on the Portuguese island of Madeira, Ronaldo's hometown, was named after the footballer. There is also a museum and a statue of him in that city.

Cristiano Ronaldo, who now charms fans in the Saudi league, still knows how to get everyone talking about his performances and subsequent achievements.

Ronaldo is planning his future in Lisbon, where he is building a villa and investing in local sports clubs. Although he is thinking of playing until the age of 45, his connection to football and Portugal remains inseparable.