Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the greatest football players of all time. The Portuguese superstar has won numerous accolades in his career, including five Ballon d’Or awards and four European Golden Shoes. One thing that sets Ronaldo apart from other players is the number he wears on his jersey. Ronaldo has been wearing the number 99 since his time at Sporting Lisbon, and it has become a symbolic gesture for him.
There are several theories as to why Ronaldo wears number 99 on his jersey. Some speculate that it is because he was born in 1985, and adding 9 and 9 to the year of his birth equals 18, which is the age at which he signed his first professional contract with Sporting Lisbon. However, this theory has been debunked by Ronaldo himself, who has said that he wears the number simply because he likes it.
Another theory is that Ronaldo wears number 99 as a tribute to his father, who passed away when Ronaldo was just 20 years old. Ronaldo has spoken about the close relationship he had with his father, and how his father always supported his football career. In an interview, Ronaldo said, “I chose 99 because it was the year my father was born. He passed away when I was young, and I wanted to honor him by wearing that number.”
Ronaldo has also stated that wearing number 99 is a symbolic gesture of his own personal goals and ambitions. In an interview with The Guardian, he said, “I chose 99 because it’s a number that represents perfection and the highest level of attainment. It’s a number that reminds me to always strive for greatness and push myself to the limit.”
Regardless of the reason behind Ronaldo’s choice of number, it has become a trademark of his career. He has worn the number 99 for Sporting Lisbon, Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus. Fans around the world recognize Ronaldo by his number, and it has become synonymous with his success on the pitch.
In conclusion, Ronaldo wears number 99 on his jersey as a symbolic gesture of his personal goals and ambitions, as well as a tribute to his father. The number has become a trademark of his career, and it will undoubtedly continue to be associated with Ronaldo’s legacy in the world of football.
