Who is Ronaldo's real best friend?

The story of Albert Fantrau and his selfless pass to Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the most famous viral legends in football, but it is a myth.

Here is the reality behind the story:

• The Legend: According to the viral story, Ronaldo and Fantrau played together for a youth club. A Sporting Lisbon scout reportedly stated that whichever player scored more goals would win a spot in their academy. During a match they were winning 3-0, Fantrau went 1-on-1 with the goalkeeper, rounded him, and instead of scoring an open-goal tap-in, passed the ball to Ronaldo so he could score and secure his place in the academy. Years later, Ronaldo reportedly rewarded Fantrau with a luxurious house and cars out of gratitude.

• The Truth: Portuguese media and fact-checkers have investigated this story extensively and found no evidence that it ever happened. Sporting CP’s youth intake processes were never based on a single goal-scoring quota in a random match, and no official records or interviews from Ronaldo's early days at Andorinha or Nacional point to an Albert Fantrau making such a sacrifice.

While it makes for an inspiring viral fable about friendship, loyalty, and giving back, it is an internet urban legend rather than a true event.