3 Football Superstars who overcame serious medical conditions as a child

#2 Cristiano Ronaldo - Racing Heart

Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United

Before he became one of the best players in the world, Cristiano Ronaldo had to win a battle to continue playing football. The Portuguese was just 15 years old and a part of the Sporting Academy, when it was noticed that his heart beating was irregular.

Ronaldo's heart started beating a lot even when he wasn't running, which was not natural. It meant that his career was at stake even before it had started. The condition was not uncommon and many footballers had previously suffered from heart problems.

Doctors confirmed what was previously suspected - young Cristiano had a condition called the racing heart, also known as Tachycardia or Tachyarrhythmia. In individuals who have this problem, the resting heart has over 100 beats per minute and they have a high risk of heart-related complications. For athletes, it can cause a heart attack or collapse. Thankfully for Ronaldo and also for the world, his condition was treatable. Doctors analyzed his situation and decided that the only cure would be a small operation.

Ronaldo was subsequently operated on, using laser technology. While there were initial concerns whether he could return to football after the operation, the Portuguese recovered well and was back to training within a few days. That fact that he would go on to become such a Champion and an incredible athlete, shows that nothing is impossible in this world.