SERVICE AND SACRIFICE: The Amazing Story of Cristiano Ronaldo and Albert Fantrau

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Cristiano Ronaldo, a footballer who goes by the shortened name-version ‘CR7’; is arguably one of the greatest ever sports-persons to grace the planet earth. He has won dozens and dozens of accolades in his professional career which started off at Sporting Clube de Portugal in 2002. Top of his achievements are five record Ballon d’Orr (World Footballer Of The Year) Awards won in 2008, 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2017. He shares this proud record with Lionel Messi of Barcelona and Argentina.

But how did CR7 make it to the top? What are some of his key moments that are not publicised much to the general public? Are you familiar with the name Albert Fantrau; his old childhood friend? How did this man contribute to the global limelight that has followed CR7? Let’s get the glimpse of the iconic story from the man himself.

It all started in an interview in which Cristiano Ronaldo said: “I have to thank my old friend Albert Fantrau for my success. We played together for the same team in the U-18 championship. When Sporting Lisbon‘s manager came to see us he said that: ‘Whoever score’s more goals will join our academy!’”

Ronaldo continues: “We won that match 3-0. I scored the first goal, then Albert scored the second with a great header. But the third goal was impressive for all of us. Albert was 1 on 1 against the goalkeeper, he skillfully went past the goalkeeper and I was running in front of him. All he had to do was to score, but he passed the ball to me and I scored the third goal, and I went to the Sporting Lisbon academy. After the match I met him and I asked him, “Why?” and he said, “You are better than me””.

After hearing this many journalists went to Albert Fantrau’s house and asked him if it was a true story. He said yes. He also said that his career as a player ended soon after the match and he is now unemployed.

Just then a journalist noticed that Albert was living a luxurious life. The journalist immediately popped the question, “But how did you afford this spectacular house and this great car? You seem like a rich man. From where did this come from?”

Then what happened, was what shocked all the people gathered there!

Albert proudly replied: “It is all because of Ronaldo”.

There you have it! There are many life lessons to take from the lives of these two gentleman. It’s a story for another day. In short, the two key life lessons are:

1. Don’t be a selfish person in life. Albert Fantrau understood that his friend Cristiano Ronaldo was better than him. He supported him all the way to the top.

2. When you rise to the top in life; do not forget those who assisted you along the way to gain that super-stardom. CR7 remembered his old childhood friend for having assisted him.  

Written by Tapiwa Zuze

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