When did ronaldo join real madrid?

By HotBotUpdated: July 4, 2024

Answer

Introduction to Cristiano Ronaldo's Transfer to Real Madrid

Cristiano Ronaldo's move to Real Madrid is one of the most significant transfers in football history. His journey from Manchester United to the Spanish giants marked a new era in his career, one that would see him break numerous records and achieve tremendous success.

The Announcement: June 2009

The first official confirmation of Cristiano Ronaldo's transfer to Real Madrid came in June 2009. On June 11th, 2009, Manchester United released a statement announcing that they had accepted a then-world record offer of £80 million from Real Madrid for Ronaldo. This announcement sent shockwaves through the football world, as it was clear that Real Madrid were intent on assembling a team of Galacticos.

The Signing: July 2009

Cristiano Ronaldo was officially unveiled as a Real Madrid player on July 6, 2009. The presentation took place at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, where approximately 80,000 fans gathered to witness the event. This was a record turnout for a player's presentation, surpassing the previous record held by Diego Maradona when he joined Napoli.

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The Contract Details

Upon joining Real Madrid, Cristiano Ronaldo signed a six-year contract that would keep him at the club until 2015. His salary was reported to be around €13 million per year, making him one of the highest-paid players in the world at the time. Additionally, his contract included a €1 billion release clause, underscoring his immense value to the club.

Ronaldo's Early Days at Real Madrid

Cristiano Ronaldo's debut season with Real Madrid was the 2009-2010 season. He quickly made an impact, scoring his first goal for the club in a pre-season friendly against Shamrock Rovers. His La Liga debut came on August 29, 2009, against Deportivo La Coruña, where he scored a penalty in Real Madrid's 3-2 victory.

Impact on Real Madrid

Ronaldo's arrival at Real Madrid had an immediate and profound impact on the club. His goal-scoring prowess, athleticism, and charisma quickly made him a fan favorite. During his time at the club, he helped Real Madrid secure numerous titles, including:

4 UEFA Champions League titles (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018)
2 La Liga titles (2012, 2017)
2 Copa del Rey titles (2011, 2014)
3 FIFA Club World Cup titles (2014, 2016, 2017)
3 UEFA Super Cup titles (2014, 2016, 2017)
2 Spanish Super Cup titles (2012, 2017)

Record-Breaking Achievements

During his time at Real Madrid, Cristiano Ronaldo set numerous records, some of which include:

All-time leading scorer for Real Madrid with 450 goals in 438 appearances
Most goals scored in a single UEFA Champions League season (17 goals in the 2013-14 season)
Fastest player to reach 100 goals in La Liga
Most hat-tricks in La Liga history

Rivalry with Lionel Messi

One of the most captivating aspects of Ronaldo's tenure at Real Madrid was his rivalry with Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona. Their competition for individual awards, goal-scoring records, and team success became a central narrative in world football. This rivalry pushed both players to new heights and provided fans with countless memorable moments.

Managerial Changes and Adaptability

Throughout his time at Real Madrid, Ronaldo played under several managers, including Manuel Pellegrini, José Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti, Rafa Benítez, and Zinedine Zidane. Despite the managerial changes, Ronaldo's performances remained consistently exceptional. His ability to adapt to different playing styles and systems was a testament to his versatility and footballing intelligence.

Off the Pitch: Branding and Influence

Cristiano Ronaldo's influence extended beyond the football field. He became a global brand, with lucrative endorsements from companies such as Nike, CR7, and Tag Heuer. His social media presence also grew exponentially, making him one of the most followed athletes in the world. Ronaldo's marketability brought significant commercial benefits to Real Madrid.

The Departure: July 2018

After nine illustrious years at Real Madrid, Cristiano Ronaldo made the decision to leave the club. On July 10, 2018, it was announced that Ronaldo would be joining Juventus for a transfer fee of €100 million. His departure marked the end of an era for Real Madrid and left a lasting legacy at the club.

Legacy at Real Madrid

Cristiano Ronaldo's tenure at Real Madrid is often regarded as one of the most successful periods in the club's history. His goal-scoring records, individual accolades, and the numerous trophies he helped the club win have cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players to ever wear the white shirt of Real Madrid.

In reflecting on Cristiano Ronaldo's journey at Real Madrid, one can only marvel at the incredible impact he had on the club, his teammates, and football fans worldwide. His transfer in July 2009 was not just a change of clubs but the beginning of a chapter that would shape the history of football.