Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristianao Ronaldo, the Portuguese winger, who picked up the Ballon d’Or in Paris last month, is the first Manchester United player to scoop the FIFA World Player of the Year, which was first handed out in 1991. David Beckham was twice voted runner-up (1999, 2001) during his time at Old Trafford.

Cristiano Ronaldo Profile

Birthdate: 05 Feb 1985

Birthplace: Madeira, Portugal

Position: Winger/Striker

Appearances: 264 (until 11 Jan 2009)

Goals: 102

Join Man Utd: 12 Aug 2003

United debut: 16 Aug 2003 v Bolton (H)

International: Portugal

History:

Signed as a largely unknown 18-year-old for £12.24m, the story goes that Sir Alex was persuaded to sign him by his players on the plane home from a pre-season friendly against Sporting that summer. In truth, the boss had long been aware of his ability. The urgency to sign him stemmed from interest from other top European clubs. This was a target Sir Alex simply couldn’t let slip through the net.

Ronaldo wasted little time in showing off his sublime skills with a stunning 30-minute debut against Bolton at Old Trafford in August 2003. After 39 appearances and eight goals – including the opener in the FA Cup final win over Millwall – he was named the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year for 2003/04. His second season never quite lived up to his first. But some late season form saw him end the 2004/05 campaign with nine goals in 50 appearances. In 2005/06 Ronny again reserved his best form for the latter half of the season. Then came the 2006 World Cup finals in Germany, a truly defining moment. In the quarter finals against England, Cristiano was blamed for Wayne Rooney’s sending off, the scapegoat for England’s exit. Some wondered if he would even return to Manchester. But Sir Alex’s calming words assured him. After all, it’d happened before with Eric Cantona in 1995 and David Beckham in 1998. The best players respond to adversity, and he did just that.

United’s title success in 2006/2007 was undoubtedly a team effort, but one player was central to almost every major plotline. It began with the barnstorming 5-1 win over Fulham – Ronaldo and Rooney running the show and very publicly rubbishing claims the two were at odds. Dazzling wing-play was backed with regular assists and crucial goals, including seven in five games over Christmas.

His form in the 2006/2007 season brought Ronaldo 14 individual awards and, despite interest from other clubs, he extended his contract until 2012. The winger's performances also earned him third place in the 2007 FIFA World Player of the Year. Ronaldo somehow continues to improve and in 2007/2008, he scored his first United hat-trick and his 50th league goal for the club in a 6-0 romp over Newcastle on the way to netting a staggering 42 goals.

FIFA World Player of the Year

Last five winners

2007 – Kaka

2006 – Fabio Cannavaro

2005 – Ronaldinho

2004 – Ronaldinho

2003 – Zinedine Zidane