Cristiano Ronaldo nearly joined Benfica at age ten after the president of his first club, Andorinha, attempted to contact Benfica executives to secure advantages for the player’s family. However, Benfica never answered the phone, steering the future star toward the Nacional youth ranks and eventually Sporting CP.
The untold story of Cristiano Ronaldo’s near-transfer to Benfica emerged through reporting published by Maisfutebol and further detailed by journalist António Simões on his Substack page. At the time, the young forward played for Andorinha, a local club in Madeira where his raw talent immediately drew attention from regional scouts.
The Missed Phone Call From Madeira
Andorinha president José Bacelar wanted to create a bidding war between Lisbon’s two powerhouse clubs to secure financial benefits for Ronaldo’s struggling family. According to diadejogo.pt, Bacelar described the household as modest and living with difficulties, prompting the club leadership to seek the best possible terms for the youngster.
Bacelar stated that management attempted to contact Benfica executives, but nobody answered the phone or replied to their messages.
How Missed Meetings Sent Ronaldo to Nacional
With Benfica entirely unreachable, the race narrowed down to Marítimo and Nacional, the two major clubs in Madeira. diadejogo.pt reported that Marítimo scheduled a formal meeting with Andorinha officials but failed to show up.
That series of closed doors pushed the young forward toward Nacional, where he signed and developed before making his decisive move to Lisbon. Maisfutebol previously recorded that despite his early childhood support for Benfica—a preference inherited from his father—arrival in the capital permanently shifted his allegiance.
From Alvalade to Global Stardom
Mother Dolores Aveiro revealed to Maisfutebol that while her son initially cheered for Benfica because of his father, the move to Sporting CP at age 12 changed everything. Alvalade quickly became home and family, turning the young prospect into a lifelong Sporting supporter.
Two years after signing with Nacional, the teenager traveled to Lisbon, where Benfica sat a few kilometers away across the Segunda Circular road, remaining entirely unaware of the player they missed out on simply because nobody picked up the receiver.
Andorinha Offered Young Ronaldo to Benfica for Financial Gain
Why did Andorinha want to contact Benfica?
José Bacelar wanted to pit Benfica and Sporting against each other to secure financial advantages and better conditions for Ronaldo’s modest family.
How old was Ronaldo when Benfica failed to reply?
Ronaldo was just 10 years old, playing as a small, frail-looking boy with exceptional technique for Andorinha.
Which club did Ronaldo join after Marítimo missed their meeting?
After Marítimo failed to show up for a scheduled meeting, Ronaldo signed with Nacional, remaining there until his transfer to Sporting CP at age 12.
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