Following is the factfile on Cristiano Ronaldo after the Manchester United and Portugal winger was named FIFA world player of 2008 in Zurich on Monday:
Birth date: February 5, 1985
Birthplace: Madeira Islands, Portugal
2002: Makes debut for Sporting Lisbon aged 17
2003 August: Scores in pre-season friendly against Manchester United before moving to Old Trafford in a 12.42 million pounds transfer.
Takes No 7 shirt worn by David Beckham following the England midfielder's transfer to Real Madrid.
Makes United debut as substitute in 4-0 home win over Bolton Wanderers.
Plays for Portugal in a 1-0 victory against Kazakhstan.
November 1: Scores first United goal in 3-0 home win over Portsmouth.
December 1: Fined 4,000 pounds at an FA disciplinary hearing for his role in the Old Trafford flare-up following goalless draw with Arsenal.
2004: In June, voted United's player of the season.
2005: In September stars for Portgual in World Cup qualifier against Russia shortly after the death of his father.
2006: In January, banned for one match by UEFA for making obscene gesture to Benfica fans during United's 2-1 Champions League defeat at the Stadium of Light in December.
On July 1, protests to referee after United team-mate Wayne Rooney tangles with Ricardo Carvalho in World Cup quarter-final. Rooney is sent off and Ronaldo is pictured on television winking at the bench. Ronaldo scores winning penalty in the shoot-out to knock out England.
Later that month, Ronaldo first reveals interest in moving to Spain after being linked with Real Madrid.
2007: Agrees new five-year United contract.
In April, voted both the Player of the Year and the Young Player of the Year by England's Professional Footballers' Association (PFA), the first man to win both awards in the same year since Scotland striker Andy Gray in 1977.
In May, voted Footballer of the Year by England's Football Writers' Association as United win the Premier League title.
On August 15, sent-off for an apparent head butting Richard Hughes of Portsmouth during a 1-1 Premier League draw.
2008: On March 19, scores twice in 2-0 win over Bolton, taking his total for the season to 33 goals and so beating George Best's record for most goals in a season by a United winger.
In April, voted PFA Player of the Year for second straight year.
In May, helps United to Premier League title.
On May 21, heads United in front in Champions League final against English rivals Chelsea in Moscow. Misses in shoot-out but United still win on penalties. Ends season with 42 goals.
In June, United report Real to world football governing body FIFA for pursuit of Ronaldo.
In July, undergoes ankle surgery.
Later that month FIFA president Sepp Blatter says Ronaldo should leave if he wants, arguing that keeping him at Old Trafford against his will would represent a move to "modern slavery" in football.
In August, having decided to stay with United, Ronaldo returns from injury as substitute in goalless home Champions League draw with Villarreal.
On November 15, scores 100th United goal against Stoke.
On November 30, sent-off for second yellow card for seemingly blatant handball in the derby with Manchester City.
On December 2, named European Footballer of the Year and thus wins the Ballon d'Or.
2009: On January 12, named FIFA World Footballer of 2008.
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