Just like any other great athlete, Cristiano Ronaldo had to start somewhere. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner began with the humbling walls of Sporting CP, the club he played for from 2002 to 2003 before his big move to Manchester United. The Portuguese club remains a huge part of Cristiano Ronaldo’s life.
With the Al-Nassr star on international duty with Portugal, Sporting CP took the opportunity to honor the man who continues to make his boyhood club proud with his achievements in the sport. The club presented Ronaldo with a special soccer kit inspired by the man himself.
Cristiano Ronaldo receives special soccer kit
Cristiano Ronaldo remains a huge part of Sporting CP, despite only spending one year at the club between 2002 and 2003. He was signed by Manchester United, thanks to a strong performance he put in when both clubs met in the pre-season of the 2003/2004 season.
He has since achieved a lot in football, picking up five Ballon d’Or awards, becoming Real Madrid’s record goalscorer, and conquering the UEFA Champions League amidst several other titles. The president of his former club did not hold back in recognizing him, as the club presented him with a special soccer kit.
The kit was launched earlier this year to celebrate Ronaldo’s 20th debut anniversary for Sporting. At the back of the jersey is the number “28”, which Cristiano Ronaldo wore in his debut season for the club. The jersey also features the special CR7 logo, which is placed alongside the club’s crest.
Before Portugal played Iceland in the EURO qualifying game last night, Sporting CP’s president gave Cristiano Ronaldo a special jersey. Sadly, it didn’t bring the former Real Madrid man much luck as he had a bad night in front of goal.
Did Cristiano Ronaldo ever play for Sporting CP?
Sporting CP gave the young Ronaldo a chance to play for the club. Signed mainly for the academy, the manager noticed his pace and dribbling skills and quickly promoted him to the first team in 2002, the same year he was signed for the academy.
He became the first player to play for the club’s under-16s, under-17s, under-18s, under-23s, and the first team all in a single season, highlighting his talents as an exceptional soccer player. Ronaldo quickly attracted the attention of top clubs like Liverpool, Barcelona, and Arsenal, with Arsene Wenger inviting the youngster to the club to discuss a possible move.
It took Ronaldo just one pre-season game against Manchester United to convince the legendary Alex Ferguson to spend over $13 million to bring him to Old Trafford.
Cristiano Ronaldo, who is famous for his ‘Siu’ celebration, has made a huge impact on soccer, becoming a role model to many youngsters, including Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, who is regarded as the best finisher in the sport right now.
