Cristiano Ronaldo: Why Portugal Captain Refuses To Get Any Tattoos on His Body

Cristiano Ronaldo: Why Portugal Captain Refuses To Get Any Tattoos on His Body

  • While Cristiano Ronaldo may appear self-centred on the pitch, off it he is a generous philanthropist who has donated millions to numerous charitable causes
  • The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has publicly explained that he doesn’t have any tattoos because he regularly donates blood
  • While having a tattoo doesn’t strictly prohibit someone from donating blood, blood donation organisations recommend and enforce certain restrictions

Cristiano Ronaldo has been a luminary in the football world for nearly two decades, consistently delivering breathtaking performances and unforgettable moments.

His professional journey began as a promising teenager with Sporting Lisbon in 2002, and he has since played for some of the sport's most prestigious clubs.

Cristiano Ronaldo does not have any tattoos because he regularly donates blood.
Cristiano Ronaldo does not have any tattoos because he regularly donates blood and bone marrow. Photo by Lars Baron.
Source: UGC

Ronaldo's career took off when he transferred from Lisbon to Manchester United in 2003.

This move marked the beginning of a stellar path that included stints at Real Madrid and Juventus, a return to Manchester United, and most recently, Al-Nassr.

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Throughout his illustrious career, Ronaldo has amassed five Champions League titles with Manchester United and Real Madrid, and has been awarded the Ballon d'Or five times.

Why Ronaldo doesn't have tattoos

One notable aspect of Ronaldo's life is his lack of tattoos, which is relatively uncommon among top footballers. The reason behind this is his commitment to regular blood donation.

In a 2012 interview with Italian outlet Diretta via Givemesport, Ronaldo explained:

“I don’t have tattoos so that I can donate blood more often.”

Blood donors are required to wait several weeks or even months after getting a tattoo before they can donate again, due to the risk of infection from fresh tattoos.

Ronaldo's dedication to blood donation began in 2011, inspired by his Portugal teammate Carlos Martins' son, who was in need of blood and bone marrow donations.

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Ronaldo's philanthropic works

Off the pitch, Ronaldo is known for his philanthropic efforts, which contrast with his on-field persona.

According to Fox Sports, the 2016 European Cup winner auctioned his European Golden Boot, generating £1.2 million to fund school construction in Gaza.

After beating Lionel Messi and Franck Ribery to the 2013 Ballon d'Or, the 39-year-old auctioned the prestigious award, donating £530,000 in proceeds to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which creates life-changing experiences for terminally ill children.

He also serves as an ambassador for Save the Children, World Vision, and UNICEF.

In 2014, the Manchester United icon distributed his £450,000 Champions League victory bonus among these three charities, per Goal.

The Real Madrid legend has funded medical treatments for several critically ill children, showcasing his compassionate side and dedication to helping those in need.

Cristiano Ronaldo on daddy duty

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Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Ronaldo has embraced 'Daddy duties' and continues to share with the world his strong connection with his children.

Blessed with five kids, the five-time Ballon d'Or never appears to have overcome the heartbreak of Portugal's Euro 2024 exit.

The 39-year-old five-time Ballon d’Or winner is expected to link up with his Al-Nassr teammates in the coming weeks ahead of the 2024-25 season.

Source: YEN.com.gh

Authors:
Chukwu Ikechukwu avatar

Chukwu Ikechukwu (Sports Editor) Chukwu Ikechukwu Godwin is a seasoned sports journalist with over a decade of experience across radio, TV, and online media. His career has seen him contribute his expertise to prominent media outlets such as Today FM, Wish FM, Silverbird Communications, and Sports Brief. Chukwu earned his Bachelor's degree in Agriculture from the University of Port Harcourt in 2016. Email: Chukwu.ikechukwu@corp.legit.ng