Cristiano Ronaldo Launches YouTube Channel, Surpassing Lionel Messi and Setting New Records

Cristiano Ronaldo, the renowned global football icon, has made a remarkable entry into the world of social media with his recent venture into YouTube. Renowned as one of the greatest footballers in history, Ronaldo has not only established a substantial following on platforms such as Instagram, X, and Facebook but has now taken the digital stage by storm with his newly launched YouTube channel.

On Wednesday, Ronaldo introduced his channel, named ‘UR,’ and encouraged his followers to subscribe. The response was swift and unprecedented. Within the first 90 minutes of its launch, the channel amassed 1 million subscribers, marking the fastest growth to this milestone in YouTube's history. As of the publication of this article, Ronaldo's channel boasts an impressive 11.2 million subscribers.

In comparison, Lionel Messi, another football legend and Ronaldo's contemporary, has been on YouTube since 2006 and currently has 2.27 million subscribers. Ronaldo's rapid ascent surpasses Messi's channel growth, underscoring his enormous appeal and influence.

Ronaldo's YouTube channel is set to offer a multifaceted view into his life, extending beyond his illustrious football career. The content will encompass aspects of his personal life, including family, wellness, nutrition, preparation, recovery, education, and business ventures. Ronaldo expressed his enthusiasm for this new platform, stating, "I have always enjoyed having such a strong relationship with fans on social media, and my YouTube channel will provide an even larger platform to connect with them, offering insights into my life and views on various subjects."

At 39 years old, Ronaldo is in the final phases of a storied football career that includes stints with some of Europe's premier clubs, such as Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus. He currently plays for Al-Nassr, a prominent Saudi Arabian club. As a five-time Ballon d'Or winner, Ronaldo has consistently been recognized as the best footballer globally.

Ronaldo's social media presence is formidable, with over 900 million followers across Instagram (636 million), Facebook (170 million), and X (112.5 million). His initial rise to international fame occurred during his time at Manchester United, where he made an emotional return to the club in 2021. However, his second tenure ended in discord with manager Erik ten Hag.

Louis Saha, a former teammate of Ronaldo at Manchester United, has suggested that there is a possibility of Ronaldo returning to Old Trafford in the future. Saha remarked, "Cristiano Ronaldo has the passion and dedication to potentially return to Manchester United one day, whether as a coach or manager. His second spell at the club did not end as hoped, and it is clear why he felt frustrated, as he did not see the same level of passion from the younger players that he was accustomed to."

As Ronaldo embarks on this new chapter with his YouTube channel, his impact continues to extend beyond the football field, capturing the interest and admiration of a global audience.