CRISTIANO RONALDO IN MADEIRA: FROM THE STREETS OF FUNCHAL TO WORLDWIDE FAME
Cristiano Ronaldo is not only Madeira’s most famous resident, but also a living legend of world football. The island where he was born and raised is brimming with reminders of his incredible journey – from a poor boy from Funchal to one of the greatest footballers of all time. During a visit to Madeira in the footsteps of CR7, you’ll discover not only museums and monuments, but also the authentic places where his story unfolded: the pitches where he took his first steps, the neighbourhoods where he grew up, and the viewpoints he himself loves. It’s a journey that allows you to understand the roots of his phenomenal success.
THE MOST IMPORTANT PLACES ASSOCIATED WITH CRISTIANO RONALDO IN MADEIRA
Following in Cristiano Ronaldo’s footsteps in Madeira is a fascinating journey that takes you from the moment you land right into the heart of his hometown.
Cristiano Ronaldo Airport
The adventure begins right at the airport. The island’s only international terminal bears the proud name of Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (FNC). In the arrivals hall, right by the exit, stands a bust of the footballer. This is already the second version – the first, unveiled in 2017, was widely mocked for its lack of resemblance and replaced by the current, much better likeness.
The CR7 Museum in Funchal
At the heart of the CR7 cult on the island is the CR7 Museum (Museu CR7) in Funchal, located on Praça CR7. Opened in 2013 and later moved to larger premises, the 1,400 m² museum houses the most comprehensive collection of the footballer’s trophies in the world. Among the more than 200 exhibits, you’ll see his five Ballon d’Or awards, Champions League trophies, the Euro 2016 trophy, as well as hundreds of memorabilia from throughout his career. Admission costs €5. An added attraction for fans is the chance to have a virtual photo taken with Ronaldo for an additional fee.
Pestana CR7 Hotel
The Pestana CR7 Funchal Hotel is located in the same building as the museum – a four-star, modern establishment resulting from a collaboration between the footballer and the Pestana Group. The hotel is filled with memorabilia: press cuttings and signed shirts hang on the walls, and illuminated sketches of the player shine above the beds. Hotel guests receive free admission to the CR7 museum.
The Cristiano Ronaldo statue
In front of the museum and hotel, on Praça CR7, stands a three-metre-tall bronze statue of Cristiano Ronaldo. The sculpture, created by local artist Ricardo Velosa, depicts the footballer in a dynamic pose and is one of the most photographed spots in Funchal.
Mural and graffiti
If you’re looking for street art featuring CR7, there are two places worth visiting:
• Santo António district: On the wall of the St. Antonio Civic Centre, there is a huge and incredibly realistic mural depicting Ronaldo in the Portugal national team shirt, created by Richard Wilson.
• Funchal city centre: Near the Mercado dos Lavradores fruit market, on the wall of the Auto Silo do Campo da Barca building, you’ll find a smaller but equally striking graffiti piece featuring the footballer.
CR7 Store
Although Ronaldo’s sister Elma’s official boutique closed in 2022, the history of the place is fascinating. Elma, who looked after her younger brother, fulfilled her dream of running a fashion boutique thanks to him. Today, CR7 merchandise can be found in many other souvenir shops across the island.
Pitch and youth clubs
To trace his very beginnings, visit the places where young Cristiano took his first steps:
• Clube de Futebol Andorinha de Santo António: His first club, which he joined at around the age of 8, and where his father worked as a groundsman. The club’s grounds are located at Caminho do Ribeirinho 4.
• Club Desportivo Nacional: At the age of 10, he moved to Nacional, where his talent really blossomed. The club is based in the Choupana district.
Pico dos Barcelos viewpoint
This popular viewpoint on the road to Curral das Freiras gained further fame when Ronaldo posted an iconic photo on his social media, with Funchal Bay in the background. Many fans come here to recreate the same shot. Even without that, the viewpoint offers some of the most beautiful panoramic views of the city and the ocean.
FUN FACTS ABOUT CRISTIANO RONALDO IN MADEIRA
Ronaldo’s childhood and rise to the top is a story full of touching and surprising details:
• The nickname ‘Little Bee’: As a child at Andorinha, his teammates called him ‘Abelhinha’ (Little Bee) because he was small, very quick and always on the move.
• The Crybaby Champion: As a child, he was known for crying when he didn’t get the ball or when his team was losing, which earned him the nickname “crybaby”.
• A delayed christening: His christening at the church in Santo António was delayed because his godfather (a former footballer) and his father had to play an Andorinha match first. The priest initially refused to baptise the child, but agreed only after some persuasion.
• A name inspired by the US President: His middle name, Ronaldo, was chosen by his parents because his father admired the then US President Ronald Reagan.
• The crisis in Lisbon: When he left for Sporting’s academy at the age of 12, he missed home so much and had trouble with his accent (he was teased) that the club sent him back to Madeira for a while. It was only his godfather’s intervention that convinced him to return.
• Family home: The house at Quinta do Falcao 27A, where he grew up, has unfortunately been demolished. However, you can still walk through the streets of Santo António, where he used to play football for hours on end. His current villa in Madeira is located on Rampa do Carvão, not far from the port of Funchal.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT RONALDO’S PROPERTIES IN MADEIRA (FAQ)
Is the CR7 museum worth a visit?
Yes, especially if you’re a football fan or enjoy sports success stories. The museum offers a unique insight into Ronaldo’s incredible career through his trophies, multimedia displays and personal memorabilia. For those less interested in sport, simply seeing the statue outside and soaking up the atmosphere of the place might be a more enjoyable experience.
Where can I take a photo with the Ronaldo statue?
The most accessible and famous statue stands in front of the CR7 Museum on Praça CR7 in Funchal. It’s the perfect spot for a souvenir photo. A second, smaller bust is located in the arrivals hall at Cristiano Ronaldo Airport.
Can you meet the Ronaldo family in Madeira?
It’s unlikely, but not impossible. Ronaldo’s family still lives in Madeira, and he himself visits regularly, mainly for personal reasons, to see his mother and loved ones. Your best chance of a chance encounter is in the Santo António district, where he grew up, or in the vicinity of his current villa.
From my own experience: Cristiano Ronaldo often visits Madeira to combine family gatherings with New Year’s celebrations. 31 December is a double celebration for his family – it is his mother, Dolores Aveiro’s, birthday.
Where did Ronaldo live in Madeira?
Cristiano Ronaldo grew up in a modest house in the Santo António district of Funchal (Quinta do Falcao 27A), which has since been demolished. His current villa, which he visits regularly, is located in Funchal on Rampa do Carvão, near the harbour and the gardens of the Quinta da Penha de França hotel.
Following in Cristiano Ronaldo’s footsteps around Madeira is more than just fan tourism. It is a stroll through the places where the legend was born, combined with the discovery of one of the most beautiful islands in the Atlantic. From monuments and museums to the streets of his childhood – each of these spots tells a part of the story of determination, talent and the extraordinary bond between the sporting superstar and his small, proud homeland.
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