Updated on: August 4, 2025
Basic Information
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Humberto Cirilo Aveiro |
| Birth Year | c. 1934 |
| Birth Place | Monte, Funchal, Madeira, Portugal |
| Death Date | December 17, 1979 |
| Age at Death | Approximately 45 |
| Spouse | Filomena Martins Pereira |
| Children | José Dinis Aveiro |
| Notability | Paternal grandfather of Cristiano Ronaldo |
Early Life and Family Background
In Funchal, Madeira, Humberto Cirilo Aveiro was born in Monte, a highland area 600 m above sea level, circa 1934. He was born to José Aveiro and Isabel Rosa da Piedade and had at least one brother in a close-knit family that emphasized hard work and community. Although formal records are limited, oral histories and genealogy reconstructions affirm his paternity and strong roots in Monte’s rural customs, where wicker “toboggan” carriages carried locals down the slopes to the city.
Socioeconomic Context of 1930s Madeira
Humberto’s upbringing was marred by food shortages and economic suffering in Madeira under Portugal’s Estado Novo dictatorship. Funchal residents protested grain monopolies and rising dairy costs in the 1931 and 1936 Revoltas da Farinha and Leite. These events gave Madeirans resilience and togetherness, which shaped Humberto’s ideals and the communal spirit he carried on. Madeira’s economy was evolving beyond sugarcane and wheat into mixed agriculture and budding tourism, fostering adaptability and local pride.
Marriage and Family Formation
Humberto married Filomena Martins Pereira in a canonical ceremony at Funchal’s Church of Santo António in winter 1953. Their February 15, 1953 marriage joined two important island families and established the Aveiro lineage that would include a football legend.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Marriage Date | February 15, 1953 |
| Venue | Church of Santo António, Funchal |
| Spouse | Filomena Martins Pereira |
| Child | José Dinis Aveiro (born early 1954) |
Their only recorded child, José Dinis Aveiro, was born in early 1954 and followed local traditions by working as a municipal gardener while serving as kit manager for CF Andorinha, setting the stage for the football heritage passed to his son.
Professional Life and Community Engagement
Family reports describe Humberto as passionately committed to community principles and Madeiran customs, although his occupation is unknown. He organised local celebrations and preserved Monte’s traditional music, cuisine, and religion, according to neighbours. Friends and family lamented his premature demise on December 17, 1979, at 45 years old. He was a pillar of familial loyalty.
Influence on Cristiano Ronaldo’s Career
Humberto died five years before Cristiano Ronaldo was born on February 5, 1985, but José Dinis’ ideals carried his legacy. Ronaldo received his first football boots from his father’s job with local clubs, and his early training was filled with Madeiran pride. Discipline, community support, and cultural confidence propelled Ronaldo from Funchal grounds to global prominence.
Recent Family Legacy and Highlights
Cristiano Ronaldo’s success keeps the Aveiro family in the spotlight in 2025. While playing for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, Ronaldo, 40, holds the Saudi Pro League single-season scoring record with 35 goals in 2023–24. He is already close to 1,000 goals. Off the pitch, Ronaldo, his five children—Cristiano Jr., Eva, Mateo, Alana Martina, Bella Esmeralda, and his niece Alizia Beatriz—created a viral dance video in March 2025 to honor their Madeiran heritage He became a playable character in SNK’s Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves in July 2025, with a specific content update on July 15. Despite losing his young son Ángel in 2022, the Aveiro name remains associated with resilience, brilliance, and strong family relationships.
| Year | Highlight |
|---|---|
| 2023–24 | Set Saudi Pro League single-season scoring record (35 goals) |
| Summer 2025 | Surpassed 900 career goals |
| March 2025 | Released family dance video honoring Madeiran heritage |
| July 15 2025 | Featured in Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves content update |
| 2025 Season | Competing for Al-Nassr, chasing the 1,000-goal milestone |
FAQ
Who was Humberto Cirilo Aveiro?
He was Cristiano Ronaldo’s paternal grandfather, born circa 1934 in Monte, Funchal, Madeira.
When and where was he born?
He was born in Monte, a parish of Funchal on Madeira Island, around the year 1934.
What was his relationship to Cristiano Ronaldo?
He was the paternal grandfather of Cristiano Ronaldo, whose father José Dinis Aveiro was his only child.
What about his personal life?
He lived a private existence in Madeira, engaging in community traditions and passing away on December 17, 1979, with limited public documentation of his profession.
Who are his surviving family members?
His direct descendants include his son José Dinis Aveiro, his grandson Cristiano Ronaldo, and Ronaldo’s five children.
What virtues did Humberto teach his family?
He instilled a strong work ethic, unwavering family loyalty, and deep pride in their Madeiran heritage.
References
| Source | Description |
|---|---|
| https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Dinis_Aveiro-1 | José Dinis Aveiro (1954-2005) |
| https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Dos_Santos_Aveiro-1 | Family Tree of Cristiano (dos Santos Aveiro) Ronaldo |
| https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carros_de_cesto_do_Monte | Carros de cesto do Monte |
| https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Revolta_da_Farinha | Revolta da Farinha |
| https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Revolta_do_Leite | Revolta do Leite |
| https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Madeira | History of Madeira |
| https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Funchal | Funchal |
| https://familyrootapp.com/blog/cristiano-ronaldo-family-tree | Cristiano Ronaldo Family Tree |
| https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cristiano_Ronaldo | Cristiano Ronaldo |
| https://www.espn.com/football/story/_/id/43272754/cristiano-ronaldo-hungry-more-titles-saudi-arabia | Cristiano Ronaldo hungry for more titles in Saudi Arabia |
| https://talksport.com/football/691008/highest-goalscorers-ever-ronaldo-messi-josef-bican-pele/ | Top ten highest goalscorers of all time: Cristiano Ronaldo eyes 1000 career goals as Lionel Messi continues to break records |
| https://www.spl.com.sa/en/news/753647/ronaldos-al-nassr-story-continues-now-it-chases-fairytale-ending | Ronaldo’s Al Nassr story continues. Now it chases fairytale … |
| https://videos.marca.com/v/x9h1wgg-cristiano-ronaldo-shows-his-dancing-skills-with-his-niece-and-children | Cristiano Ronaldo shows his dancing skills with his niece and … |
| https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/44425711/cristiano-ronaldo-join-fatal-fury-video-game-franchise | Cristiano Ronaldo to join ‘Fatal Fury’ video game franchise |
| https://www.snk-corp.co.jp/us/press/2025/071103/ | City of the Wolves on July 15! Content update trailer out … |