Why is Cristiano Ronaldo so famous?

Modified Mar 14, 2017 08:17 GMT

VILLARREAL, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 26: Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid looks on during the La Liga match between Villarreal CF and Real Madrid at Estadio de la Ceramica on February 26, 2017 in Villarreal, Spain. (Photo by Fotopress/Getty Images) Click and drag to move — What makes Cristiano Ronaldo so famous, on and off the pitch?

#1 Media attention

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND - JANUARY 11: Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal and Real Madrid speaks to the media during a press conference prior to the FIFA Ballon d'Or Gala 2015 at the Kongresshaus on January 11, 2016 in Zurich, Switzerland. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images) — Ronaldo loves to attract the media. He rarely speaks but knows well how to command attention

Ronaldo rarely speaks to the media, but whenever he speaks, it is because he has something specific to say. He is one of the most popular sportspersons in the world and is always in the limelight, with the media focussing on his performances on and off the pitch, his family, his incredible physique or his charitable causes.

He does seldom use it to trade barbs with rivals, but when he does, his words are ruthless. For example, at the beginning of the 2016/17 season, Xavi Hernandez stated that Ronaldo is unlucky to have played in the same era as Leo Messi, who he claimed was the best in history.

The Portuguese hit back at the former Barcelona captain with a simple message: “I'm the most searched player on the internet. Anyone who wants free publicity or media attention talks about me. I couldn't care less about what Xavi says about me, as he plays in Qatar or I don't even know where.”

Ronaldo mostly uses the media to highlight causes that he cares for and uses it to help spread the message. A noble one, indeed.

Edited by Staff Editor