WHAT HAPPENED?
Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, now celebrated as one of the greatest of all time, made his professional debut for Sporting CP as a bright-eyed teenager in 2002. On August 14 of that year, he took his first steps on a journey toward sporting greatness.

THE BIGGER PICTURE
Almost exactly a year later, after a friendly match that put him in the limelight, Ronaldo secured a transfer to Manchester United. The rest is history. He has since become a five-time Ballon d’Or winner and the all-time leading goalscorer for Real Madrid, in the Champions League, and in men’s international football, shattering numerous records along the way.

DID YOU KNOW?
At 40 years old, Ronaldo is still thriving with Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr, and his long-time sponsor Nike continues to celebrate his legacy. They have released a new version of the Mercurial Vapor I RGN in the “Black Cinder Maize” colorway, reminiscent of the boots worn by a young Ronaldo.