Before the fame and fortune, there was loss and hardship. Explore the life of Cristiano Ronaldo's father and the legacy he left behind.
Who is Cristiano Ronaldo?
Cristiano Ronaldo, 40 as of February 5, 2024, is a Portuguese professional footballer widely considered one of the greatest players of all time.
He plays as a forward and captains both the Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr and the Portugal national team.
Ronaldo has amassed an incredible collection of individual and team honours throughout his career. He has won five Ballon d'Or awards, three UEFA Men's Player of the Year awards, four European Golden Shoes and 33 trophies, including seven league titles in England, Spain and Italy, five UEFA Champions Leagues, the UEFA European Championship and the UEFA Nations League.
The superstar holds numerous records, including the most appearances, goals and assists in the Champions League, as well as the most goals and appearances for Portugal. He is also the all-time leading goalscorer in men's international football.
Ronaldo is one of the few players to have made over 1,200 professional career appearances and has scored over 900 official senior career goals for club and country.
Ronaldo began his career at Sporting CP before joining Manchester United in 2003. He achieved great success at Old Trafford, winning three Premier League titles, the Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup.
In 2009, he moved to Real Madrid for a then-world record fee. At Los Blancos, the forward formed a formidable attacking partnership with Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale, winning four Champions League titles and becoming the club's all-time top goalscorer.
In 2018, he joined Juventus, winning two Serie A titles before returning to Manchester United in 2021. He left Manchester United in 2022 and subsequently signed for Al Nassr in 2023.
Ronaldo has also enjoyed a glittering international career, captaining Portugal to victory at Euro 2016 and the UEFA Nations League in 2019. He is the most capped male player in history and the all-time leading male goalscorer.
Off the pitch, Ronaldo is one of the world's most marketable and famous athletes, with a huge social media following and numerous lucrative endorsement deals. He has been named the world's highest-paid athlete on several occasions.
Although much is known about Ronaldo's mother, Maria Dolores dos Santos Viveiros Aveiro, his late father is mostly unrecognised.
Who is Cristiano Ronaldo's father?
Cristiano Ronaldo's father was Jose Dinis Aveiro.
Jose Dinis Aveiro Age
Jose Dinis Aveiro was 51 years old at the time of his death in September 2005.
Where is Jose Dinis Aveiro from?
Jose Dinis Aveiro was born and raised on the island of Madeira, Portugal.
This is the same island where Cristiano Ronaldo spent his childhood and developed a passion for football, nurtured by his father.
Jose Dinis Aveiro Cause of Death
Jose Dinis Aveiro died in September 2005 as a result of liver failure. This was brought on by alcohol abuse, which had progressively worsened his health over time, ultimately leading to a critical condition.
At the time of his father's passing, Cristiano Ronaldo was in his third season with Manchester United and establishing himself as a rising star in the Premier League.
When did Ronaldo find out about his dad?
Cristiano Ronaldo was only 20 years old and playing for Manchester United when he learnt of his father's death.
He was away from home, concentrating on his burgeoning football career in England. The news was devastating, particularly as he was unable to be with his father in his final moments.
Cristiano Ronaldo Father Job
Jose Dinis Aveiro lived a difficult life marked by hardship and struggle.
Forced into military service, he fought in the Angolan War of Independence, a traumatic experience that left him scarred.
The appalling conditions, lack of supplies and rampant disease took a heavy toll, leaving him disillusioned and with lasting mental scars.
Returning to Madeira after his service, he found a country in economic turmoil with limited opportunities.
He initially worked as a gardener to make ends meet. Later, he supplemented his income by becoming the kit man for the Andorinha football club, where Cristiano Ronaldo played as a child.
This job, though humble, played a significant role in shaping Ronaldo's determination, as he was often teased by teammates because of his father's role.
Throughout his life, Aveiro battled with alcoholism, a consequence of the trauma he experienced during the war and the lack of support for veterans upon his return.
His struggles with alcohol ultimately led to his premature death from liver failure at the age of 51.
Cristiano Ronaldo Dad Funeral
Jose Dinis Aveiro was buried in his homeland of Madeira. The funeral was a private ceremony attended by close family and friends.
Despite his grief, Cristiano Ronaldo used his father's death as motivation to excel in football, honouring his memory through his achievements on the pitch.
Comments