Cristiano Ronaldo started out as a skinny winger with floppy hair, quick feet and outrageous skills as he wowed the world at the age of 17 after moving to Manchester United.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have been at the center of soccer's GOAT debate for nearly two decades. Between them, they have 1,773 goals, nine Champions League titles and 13 Ballon d'Or awards.

“I am the greatest scorer in history,” Ronaldo told La Sexta, per the Associated Press. “Although I am not left-footed, I am in the top 10 in history for goals scored with the left foot. These are numbers, I am the most complete player who has ever existed.

This is a collection of photos chosen by AP photo editors.

Never lacking in confidence, Cristiano Ronaldo chose himself this week during a discussion about the greatest soccer player of all time. As part of

Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the greatest footballers in history, turns 40 today. He is still playing, still scoring goals and has not displayed even the slightest hint of wanting to retire. To mark the occasion,

Cristiano Ronaldo approaches his 40th birthday with the same confidence and self-esteem as he has always boasted throughout his successful career.

Cristiano Ronaldo turns 40 on Wednesday with the Al Nassr forward continuing to score goals at a rate equivalent to when he was in his Manchester United heyday.The Ballon d'Or winner was once

Cristiano Ronaldo's legacy for both club and country is shining bright on his 40th birthday. To celebrate the superstar's birthday, the world is looking back at Ronaldo's one-of-a-kind career that started when he was just a teenager in Portugal.