Tales from Behind the Fame: When Ronaldo Wanted a Singer's Number Live on TV

Amid the stadium lights and the roar of the crowd, fans rarely get a glimpse into the personal lives of football stars—especially the spontaneous and human sides of their personalities. Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo, known for his discipline and commanding presence, was once a young, ambitious man unafraid to express his desires—even those off the pitch.

Rod Thornley, the celebrity hairdresser who worked with many of Manchester United’s elite during their golden years, revealed one of the funny behind-the-scenes stories involving none other than "CR7" himself.

Instant Crush on the TV Screen

One weekday, while Thornley was watching an episode of the popular talent show The X Factor with Ronaldo, the American singer Kimberly Wyatt—known for being part of The Pussycat Dolls—appeared on screen.

It took only a few seconds for Ronaldo to be mesmerized by her beauty and elegance. He turned to Thornley, with a boyish curiosity and trademark confidence, and asked:
"Who’s that girl? Can you get me her number?"

For Ronaldo, it wasn’t just a passing fancy—it felt more like a personal challenge. At that time, he was still in the early stages of his fame at Manchester United, radiating rare charm and a deep belief that nothing was out of his reach.

The Persuasion: “The Dream Car”

Thornley didn’t immediately jump at the request, and Ronaldo sensed the hesitation. Thinking quickly, the footballer pointed to his parked luxury Porsche Carrera outside and said with a sly smile:
"Do you like my car? If I move to Real Madrid, I’ll sell it to you for half the price."

It was a clever and calculated offer—a mix of generosity, charisma, and persuasion. Thornley recalled:
"I laughed, but inside I thought, maybe this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance. Within ten minutes, I had the number."

A Deal That Paid Off

Months passed, and Ronaldo eventually completed his blockbuster move to Real Madrid. At the end of the season, he kept his word and sold the car to Thornley for €30,000—despite having purchased it for double that amount.

Thornley proudly stated:
"I was amazed he stuck to his promise. Later, I sold the car for the same price I paid, pocketed €30,000 in profit, and treated myself to a dream vacation in the Maldives."

Ronaldo: From Bold Young Star to Family Man

While this story may seem humorous on the surface, it reveals much about Ronaldo’s early personality—an expressive, driven young man who wasn’t afraid to ask for what he wanted. But more importantly, it highlights his integrity and ability to keep his word, even in the smallest of matters.

Today, Ronaldo leads a much more settled life. Based in Saudi Arabia, playing for Al-Nassr, he shares his daily moments with long-time partner Georgina Rodríguez and their five children. After experiencing the heartache of losing one of his newborn twins, Ronaldo’s focus has clearly shifted toward family.

From Old Trafford to the Hearts of Millions

The story of the car and the singer’s number is just a small chapter in the life of a footballer like no other. From a modest upbringing in Madeira to the summit of world football, Ronaldo carved a path to greatness—without ever losing the human touch, even if it meant trading a car for a phone number.

| Facebook | Whatsapp | Linkedin