Cristiano Ronaldo
Date of Birth: 2/5/1985
Rookie Card Year: 2002-03
Investment Rating: 8.5
Overview
Few players can match the global recognition or elite ability of Cristiano Ronaldo. Despite the fact that he is nearing the downward slope of his prime, Ronaldo continues to produce and he resides in a special collecting group of top soccer players. Based on his immense popularity, Cristiano Ronaldo cards and autographs should remain a hot commodity for years to come.
Although he has made headlines with Manchester United, Real Madrid and the Portuguese National Team, Cristiano Ronaldo got his start with Sporting CP. After spending the bulk of his youth career with the club, Ronaldo only played for Sporting CP for one season before making the jump to ManU. Despite this limited stay, the very first Cristiano Ronaldo cards were released during his time with the team. Both released by Panini, these two cards are viewed by many as his true rookie cards. The following season with Manchester United saw his first Upper Deck cards and some consider these to also be rookie cards despite appearing in his second season. Regardless, the majority of his early cards maintain good values.
While autographed cards remain rare, in recent years, both Topps and Panini have released signed cards for Cristiano Ronaldo. There were also several released by Upper Deck during the early part of his Manchester United career. Rounding out the list of signed cards, Sportkings remains the only place to get on-card autographs for the dynamic striker. For a detailed look at autograph options, view our guide to the top Cristiano Ronaldo cards.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are widely considered the top players in the world and the debate continues to rage over which player is truly best. Although they match up equally in many aspects, based on his pop culture relevance, Ronaldo is actually more similar to David Beckham, who made the transition from soccer star to global brand. This is one area where Cristiano Ronaldo appears vastly superior to Lionel Messi.
Key Early Cristiano Ronaldo Cards
Click on the listings or images to shop for cards on eBay.
2002-03 Panini Stickers #306 Cristiano Ronaldo
While stickers are not the first cards that normally come to mind, these early Cristiano Ronaldo stickers are actually quite valuable. Showcasing the teenager in his Sporting CP kit, the card is still much cheaper than his other rookie card and can be found for around $50+ ungraded.
2002-03 Panini Mega Craques #137 Cristiano Ronaldo
Collectors normally prefer the more traditional options and the Cristiano Ronaldo card from 2002-03 Mega Craques provides that. A full-length action shot adds something to this early CR7 card and values have really been picking up steam. A BGS 9.5 sold for $725 in May of 2014.
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Apparel Guide
Cristiano Ronaldo Apparel Buying Guide
Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the biggest brands in world soccer, and there is plenty of gear to be found. Check out some of the top Cristiano Ronaldo apparel, including jerseys, cleats and more.
Active Listings for Cristiano Ronaldo Jerseys / T-Shirts
Jerseys are among the most popular choices for collectors, and if you are in the market for a Cristiano Ronaldo jersey, top options include his Portugal jersey or his Real Madrid jersey.
Cristiano Ronaldo Real Madrid Jersey
Cristiano Ronaldo Portugal National Team Jersey
Active Listings for Cristiano Ronaldo Cleats / Boots
The Cristiano Ronaldo signature shoe is made by Nike and the current model is the Nike Mercurial Vapor X.
Active Listings for Cristiano Ronaldo Photographs / Prints / Posters / Artwork
Active Listings for Cristiano Ronaldo Figures / Bobbleheads
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More Info
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