While playing for Real Madrid, Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo got the moniker ‘El Bicho.’ It’s a Spanish phrase that translates to “The Bug.”
The Portugueseman spent nearly a decade with Real Madrid in Spain. In 2009, he signed from Manchester United for a then-world-record sum of €94 million. He went on to score 450 goals and give 131 assists in 438 appearances for Los Blancos across all competitions. Among other awards, he received four Ballons d’Or, four Champions League championships, and two La Liga crowns.
The Portuguese is also Real Madrid’s all-time leading scorer, with Karim Benzema coming in second with 323 goals. That demonstrates Ronaldo’s dominance at the club. His dribbling abilities, heading ability, directness, and dangerous two-footedness frequently frightened opponents.
That’s why, when commentating on a game, Spanish sports commentator Manolo Lama gave him the moniker ‘El Bicho.’ It refers to a bug that may fear his opponents, which fits the five-time Ballon d’Or winner well.
While Ronaldo left Real Madrid for Juventus in 2018, he remains a dangerous goalscorer. With 815 goals in 1,121 games, the 37-year-old just became the all-time leading scorer in football (club and nation).
Last season, he scored many crucial goals for Manchester United, providing them much-needed points in an otherwise disastrous campaign.
‘El Bicho’ will now want to have a successful start to next season as well as lead Portugal to the FIFA World Cup in Qatar later this year.
