Already a star at the youth level on his home island of Madeira and earning a big move to Sporting Lisbon at just 12, Cristiano Ronaldo left a small town for a big city and was forced to adapt to a completely different life, miles away from his family. His spirit and natural flair took him into the Sporting first team, attracting the interest of Manchester United, who bought him in the summer of 2003. This is the story of a player who attracted praise and criticism alike from soccer fans of all stripes yet won over the United fans with his array of tricks, playing an important part in both the 2004 FA Cup Final win and the 2006 Carling Cup triumph and inspiring Portugal to a place in the final of Euro 2004. His dealings with the glare of the media as well as his controversial role in the 2006 World Cup Rooney incident are covered here, as well as his role in inspiring United to the Premiership title and his PFA Player of the Year and PFA Young Player of the Year double honor. Love him or hate him, this is the story of a player who always provokes a reaction.

Tom Oldfield is a freelance sports journalist specializing in soccer, and the author of Gary Neville: The Story of a Legend.