The days when Ronaldo travelled by metro, lived in a hostel and couldn't afford a PlayStation

This success, money and recognition which Ronaldo knows today were, just over a decade and a half ago, merely hope, desire to work, and above all, dreams. In his early years at Sporting, Ronaldo lived in a hostel with several of his team-mates in the reserve team. A far cry from the incredible mansion in Madrid which has become his home.

Thanks to a documentary by 'Sport TV', filmed in 2001, we can see what the Portuguese star was like in his humble beginnings. He didn't travel around in Bugattis, Lamborghinis or any other luxury cars, but got about by public transport. The metro took him home from the training ground and vice versa.

His life wasn't exactly precarious, but he didn't live in luxury, as he received 300 escudos (Portugal's old currency) per week. A rather small amount that he didn't even see himself.

"My mother keeps all my money in the bank. When I need it, I ask her. That's how we live, she is in charge of everything," said a 16-year-old Ronaldo in his small bedroom.

For the current best player in the world, life back then revolved around resting, training and having fun with his team-mates in the hostel. Sporting youth players like Edgar Marcelino and Miguel Garcia were his best friends. Ronaldo could often be found in Garcia's bedroom, as he had a PS2.

"Hey, I have one of those at home, but it's expensive no? How much did it cost you?" Cristiano asked his friend about the games console. It's fair to say that the Real Madrid star no longer has to ask the price of things, now he earns 80 million euros per year.

His aims were very different to what they are today. If now Cristiano only thinks about winning Champions Leagues or Ballon d'Ors, before his aims were much more simple.

"I can't believe I'm training with international players like Pedro Barbosa or Rui Bento. It's incredible," he said, on training with the Sporting first-team squad.

But, after years of hard work and determination, the situation started to change for him, and his life took a turn when he was called up permanently to the first-team squad. Shortly afterwards he attracted interest from Sir Alex Ferguson, and after a breathtaking spell at Manchester United, he arrived at Real Madrid, the club at which he has established himself as one of the greatest players in the history of the beautiful game.

Not bad for the kid who had to ask his mum if he wanted to spend his money!