Ronaldo's first transfer cost just 20 footballs and 2 football kits

According to FIFAPRO, Madeira who play in Portugal's top-tier division bought Ronaldo from his childhood club Andorinha when he was just 10 years old for a couple of footballs and jerseys.

The organization keeps records of all economic movements between clubs and it has recorded that after this modest transfer, Sporting Lisbon payed 22,500 euros for the growing star. It was a big risk for Sporting as Cristiano was still incredibly young but the gamble quickly paid off. 

His incredible performances quickly became noticed by the biggest clubs around Europe, and it was Manchester United who managed to tempt the striker away from Portugal. The Red Devils paid almost 500 times the amount Sporting payed and bought the player for 11.6 million euros. Ronaldo’s price tag kept on growing and growing, and after various seasons at Manchester United, Real Madrid finally dished out 94 million euros to take him to the Spanish capital.

The study by FIFPRO has revealed that banks, agents and third parties have received 22 million euros directly or indirectly from the transfers of the Portugese star.