Ronaldo's whole story is one of unparalleled self-belief and personal commitment. Ever since he arrived at Old Trafford and declared his desire to become the best player in the world, he has left no stone unturned in his desire to be so. Under the tutelage of Sir Alex Ferguson (who he calls "my second dad"), he built his physique, mastered dead-ball situations, improved his heading beyond recognition, augmenting his game year-on
If one had to compare him to another high-sports sportsman, it might be England cricketer Kevin Pietersen. Both are mocked for their alleged vanity, but both are also obsessive in their efforts to constantly self-improve.
While his countrymen have always been vocal about his claims to be the world's best, he has not always been universally popular, and has put up with being baited by the chant of 'Messi' from opposing supporters for a few years now. His belief in himself has never wavered, though, and the ribbing seems to bother him very little now.
Ronaldo seems a lot more relaxed about the Ballon d'Or this year. "I don't know if it's fair if me, Ribery or Messi wins," he told reporters after scoring twice in Real's win over Celta Vigo earlier this month. "If I win then great and if not, life goes on and I'll continue just the same."
The cynical might say he has already been tipped the wink that his name might emerge from the golden envelope, but it's also indicative of a growing maturity.
He is clearly settled, having signed an extension to his Real Madrid deal in September tying him down to 2018, and he looks the part as national team captain too.
Luiz Felipe Scolari always knew Ronaldo had it in him, telling me at Euro 2008 how Portugal's star would also become their leader, identifying him as a future skipper at a time when few would have shared the same view.
Defender Luis Neto, who plays for Russian club Zenit St Petersburg, offered an insight into his leadership on international duty in an interview with Portuguese website Mais Futebol this week. "He always likes a good conversation before bed and to listen to how all his team-mates are," said Neto.
"He's very demanding, a great professional and he's always alert to every little detail. He speaks and we take it all in, because we believe in him."
Ronaldo still has a well-developed sense of his own worth, of course, as the December opening of a museum celebrating his career achievements on his home island of Madeira proved. At the inauguration, journalists could not resist asking where he would fit another Ballon d'Or, a 10th European Cup for Real Madrid or even a trophy for Portugal.
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