Chapter 1 A Baby Boy
Once upon a time on the island of Maderia a baby boy was born.
He was the youngest of two sisters and a brother.
His father was a gardener and his mum was a cook.
They hadn’t much money.
From a young age he played street football.
Chapter 2 Cry Baby
But people called him names. His nickname was ‘cry baby’. His mum said, when he passed the ball to another and they didn’t score a goal, he would cry and so he was called ‘cry baby’.
Soon he had another nickname ‘little bee’. His mother said that was because he was quick and fast. It was difficult for other boys to catch him.
His godfather said:
‘He slept with his football. It never left his side.’
He was a young boy with a big dream.’
Chapter 3 Time to join a football club.
When he was 8 he joined the local football club.
When he was 10 he joined the biggest club
on the island where he lived.
Chapter 4 Leaving Home
When he was 12 he joined the biggest football club in
Portugal, Sporting Lisbon.
He had to move to the capital city, Lisbon.
The boy found it hard because he was only 12
and he missed his home and family.
The people in the football club said
he was too small to be successful.
Chapter 5 Good Advice from Mum
But this boy worked hard.
His mother advised him to concentrate on football.
This hard work paid off.
He played for his country of Portugal at the age of 18.
Chapter 6 Hard Work and Skills
Though he has a natural talent for football,
it is his hard work that makes him
one of the world’s best football players.
His talent and hard work has earned him great respect.
He has millions of fans around the world.
Chapter 7 The Best Player in the World
This boy’s name is
Cristiano Ronaldo.
He is considered the best player in the world
and one of the greatest of all time.
He says ‘I am living a dream I never want to wake up from.’
Chapter 8 How to be Successful
Here are Ronaldo’s 10 rules for success
1.Just play!
2.Be competitive
3.Always take on new challenges
4.Know what is important
5.People will judge you
6.Work hard
7.Believe you are the best
8.Play for the team
9.Enjoy the moments
10.Have a sense of humour.
Chapter 9 My Promise
My name is
Leon Gaynor.
Remember that name!
I am going to work hard at my football.
I will follow Ronaldo’s advice.
I will work hard on my skills
and become a great footballer too.