Despite facing numerous scandals and malicious gossip, CR7 remains dedicated to silently helping his community through practical actions that stem from a compassionate heart. In 2011, the Real Madrid superstar was honored with the European Golden Shoe award after scoring 40 goals in a season where Los Blancos ranked second in La Liga and were eliminated in the Champions League semi-finals. Ronaldo later sold the shoe in a charity auction for a staggering £1.2 billion, with the proceeds going towards rebuilding schools destroyed by war in Gaza.
In 2013, Ronaldo sold another valuable individual title, his second Golden Ball, at a charity auction in London. The auction raised £530,000 for the Make A Wish Foundation, which helps children with serious illnesses. Ronaldo uses his global influence to contribute to charity work, serving as an ambassador for Save the Children, UNICEF, and World Vision. At the 2014 Ballon d’Or award ceremony, Ronaldo spoke about his experience meeting babies with leukemia and championed the rights of children affected by the Syrian conflict. He also recorded the Ice Bucket Challenge clip to support the ALS health campaign.
Unlike many of his colleagues, Ronaldo has never indulged in recreational activities such as painting. This is because he regularly donates blood and constantly encourages everyone to participate in this meaningful activity. In a surprising act of generosity, CR7 also donated bone marrow to the son of Carlos Martins, his former teammate on the Portuguese team.
Ronaldo has a deep love for children,especially those in difficult circumstances. One example is Nuhuzet Guillen, a boy with terminal cancer in 2009. Ronaldo created opportunities for him to meet and watch his idols play live, and even paid for his hospital bills for an extended period. Real Madrid‘s number one striker also helps Erik Ortiz Cruz, another young fan who unfortunately suffers from cortical dysplasia.
Despite being one of the highest-paid athletes in the world, Ronaldo regularly donates large sums of money to charities such as the Red Cross, UNICEF, and Save the Children. In 2015, he reportedly spent up to £5 million to help the victims of the severe earthquake in Nepal, according to press reports.
Overall, Ronaldo’s philanthropy and generosity demonstrate that he is much more than just a talented athlete. He uses his influence to make a positive impact on the world and improve the lives of those in need.