Cristiano Ronaldo is considered by many to be one of the greatest footballers of all time. He’s played for some of the most prominent clubs in Europe, including Manchester United and Real Madrid, and has won countless individual awards. However, during his early days as a player, Ronaldo’s career was nearly derailed by a heart condition that threatened to end his playing days before they began.
According to reports, Ronaldo was diagnosed with tachycardia -a condition where the heart beats faster than normal- when he was a young boy. While tachycardia is not usually life-threatening, it can cause shortness of breath, chest pain, and fainting. Ronaldo’s doctors advised him to stop playing football and to take medication to control his condition.
Undeterred, Ronaldo continued to play football, and even signed for local team Nacional Madeira when he was just 13 years old. He impressed during his time with Nacional, earning a move to Sporting Lisbon, where he quickly established himself as one of the most promising young players in Europe.
However, Ronaldo’s heart condition would once again become an issue during his time with Sporting. In 2002, Ronaldo was playing in a friendly match against Inter Milan when he fell to the ground, struggling to breathe. He was rushed to the hospital, where it was revealed that his tachycardia had flared up again.
Ronaldo’s doctors recommended that he undergo surgery to correct his condition, which he did in 2003. The surgery was successful, and Ronaldo was cleared to return to football a few weeks later.
The incident served as a wake-up call for Ronaldo, who realized that he needed to take better care of his body if he wanted to have a long and successful career in football. He started eating healthier, working out more frequently, and cutting down on partying.
The surgery also had a profound effect on Ronaldo’s mental state. He later revealed that the experience had made him stronger and motivated him to work harder than ever before. “It made me a better person and a better footballer,” he said.
Since then, Ronaldo has gone on to have a remarkable career, winning numerous honors and breaking countless records. He has played for some of the biggest clubs in the world, including Real Madrid and Juventus, and has won five Ballon d’Or awards for his performances on the pitch.
While Ronaldo’s heart condition may have threatened to derail his career before it even began, he has proved himself to be a resilient and determined athlete who has overcome numerous obstacles on his path to greatness. His story serves as an inspiration to countless young athletes, who may be facing their own obstacles as they chase their dreams.
