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Cristiano Ronaldo. The name speaks loads. For the past decade, the Portuguese hit-man has been sitting atop the very pinnacle of his football career. Even after attaching numerous records to his name, he has shown no signs of quitting the beautiful game.
Apart from being the best player in the world, Cristiano Ronaldo also is a role model for millions of people around the globe.
He is a walking tribute to the values of hard work and determination. His charisma has a stark resemblance to former England skipper David Beckham, who was the most popular player on Earth, in his era.
But, great things never happen overnight. The Portuguese captain has shown a vast amount of determination to get to the place where he is. Apart from being the best player in the world, he is a perfect role-model for his fans all over the globe.
With millions of people dreaming about touching the superstar in their wildest dreams, we look at the five most important life lessons that Cristiano Ronaldo has taught us during his career as a footballer.
#5: Talent is nothing without hard work
"With a combination of dedication and hard work, things come naturally"
Does Cristiano Ronaldo have any short-comings in his game? Nope. The Real Madrid star has trained himself to be the best player on all fronts.
The man can score goals, make key passes, assists, headers, long-shots, dribbles and probably everything a football geek can come up with.
Do you know Ronaldo practices for four hours daily to improve personal skills after team training? Absolute beast.
Anyone who looks at his well-muscled body will think that Cristiano Ronaldo is a sweet ode perfection. But, was it all about being a natural talent? Certainly not.
Back in his yesteryears, Wayne Rooney was regarded to be better than Cristiano Ronaldo. But, the Englishman's lack of proper determination has seen him fall behind Ronaldo, who right now reigns over the football world.
Working hard is the ultimate key to his grand success.
Hard work is inevitable if you dream of being the best. Also, it requires a lot of sacrifices. Ronaldo left his home at the tender age of eighteen to play for Manchester United.
He never indulges in late nights, drinks or parties, in order to maintain his body and fitness. In short, Ronaldo has worshipped his body like a temple.
Success is not hard to come by if we work hard and sacrifice enough to achieve it.
#4: The never-give-up attitude
"The great thing about him, is that he will not quit."
A praise like that from former Manchester United number 7 George Best is one to cherish for a lifetime.
In so many ways, Cristiano's values have come from being a Manchester United player in his youth. The superstar has all the trademark attributes for which the Manchester-based club is known throughout the world.
Sir Alex Ferguson must be credited largely for instilling the values that helped him build up his never-give-up attitude.
Regardless of every obstacle he faces, Cristiano Ronaldo is an absolute warrior, both on and off the pitch. He never calls it a day until he has given his hundred percent.
A fact that makes Cristiano Ronaldo the player he is today, is that he keeps a winning pedigree. He doesn't rest for a second until he emerges out to be the best amongst all. Failure is his biggest fear till date.
Also read: All the records held by Cristiano Ronaldo
Imagine how hard it might have been for him to see Messi winning four Ballon d'Ors in succession. Every year, he tried rigorously hard and toiled on the training pitch but in vain.
Yet, he never thought of giving up on his dream to be the best. Just watch him receiving his second Ballon d'Or and his tears will tell you everything.
In the meantime, we can learn how to never give up and stand tall in our darkest times. Because, ultimately, it is defeating the darkness that makes you what you truly are.
#3: His kind nature
"I never ignore a photo or an autograph because once I was also a football fan."
It is a shame that Ronaldo has been a scapegoat regarding his antics on and off the pitch. Yes, he does get a little carried away sometimes. But we all do. After all, humans make mistakes.
However, the amount of criticism he gets is way too much than he deserves. Many of us fail to look at the kind heart he possesses.
He handles his fans in the most modest way possible. There have been many instances when fans have invaded the pitch just to get a hug from their superhero. And yet, Ronaldo has always respected their wishes and escorted them with grace to the sidelines.
It is always the greatest gesture to treat your fervent admirers with equal respect. Apparently, Ronaldo does exactly the same.
Also, Cristiano is a well-known charity worker throughout the world. He has helped countless people in as many ways possible.
In the end, Ronaldo knows the greater purpose is about giving and healing. Even when we fulfil our dreams, we must not forget to help the needy.
#2: Respect for peers and family
"Sir Alex Ferguson is my football father."
No man can win the world all by himself. He requires people to help him reach the ultimate goals. Ronaldo has never failed to acknowledge all the people who have helped him become the greatest player that he is today.
Sir Alex Ferguson. Cristiano Ronaldo has never thanked that man enough. Even today, the love and respect for Sir Alex are clearly visible whenever he meets the Scot.
Of course, if it hadn't been for Ferguson, we would never have seen the beast we know as Cristiano Ronaldo.
Even on his return to Old Trafford for the first time since joining Real Madrid, Cristiano found it utterly hard to control his wet eyes on the pitch. That shows how respectable and humble the great man is.
The story of Cristiano Ronaldo and his friend Albert Fontrau is famous all over the internet. It was Fontrau who helped Ronaldo get into Sporting CP after helping him score more goals in a decisive match. Fontrau has already given his testimony on Cristiano's generosity as a person and a friend.
Coming to family, he is very protective and respectful about his mother and brother. The best example is his split with former partner Irina Shayk.
The Madrid forward ended his relationship with the model because she had a problem with Ronaldo's mother accompanying him everywhere. Think how proud his mom would have felt.
And proud she should be because she has given birth to a real gem.
#1: The strength to handle criticism
Your love makes me strong. Your hate makes me unstoppable.
Over the years, Cristiano Ronaldo has become a master at handling the loads of criticism he has been receiving all his life. But, that has never stopped him from achieving his ultimate dream of being the best in the world.
He knows how to be a strong mountain when it comes to facing his critics.
The best we can learn from him in this particular part, is how he never gets disheartened by his critics. Most of us will find it hard to stand up when we are disapproved for something we cannot do.
But, Ronaldo will always be there to guide us in such matters.
The best thing CR7 does, is he uses the criticism as his ultimate driving force to be the best. Hence, it is really tough to break a person who is that strong both on the inside as well as outside. Surely, if he can do it, why can't we?
