The heartbreaking departure for Lisbon

At just 12 years old, Ronaldo left his native island to join Sporting CP in Lisbon. Far from his family, he stayed in boarding school and learned to fend for himself. He suffered from homesickness, ridicule for his accent, and nights spent crying silently. But one thing never wavered:  his unwavering determination .

And yet, even his heart tried to slow him down. A heart problem detected in the teenager could have ended his career before it even began. Fortunately, a quick but decisive laser surgery has him back in action.

That sweet little boy in the photo is now one of the most famous men in the world.