The club where Ronaldo emerged from the youth team ranks – said it was taking the step to recognize someone who has gone on to become "the best Portuguese player of all time" and "the best player in the world."

Born on the island of Madeira, Ronaldo joined Sporting in 1997 at the age of 12. He made his senior debut in 2002 at the tender age of 17, before going on to achieve global renown at Manchester United, Real Madrid and now Juventus. Ron scored in Juventus' first Serie A game of the season on Sunday, joined the capital city side aged 12.

"The Academy will thus immortalise the name of the greatest symbol it ever produced and that will be an inspiration to follow for all the younger talents," the 18-time Portugese champions said in a statement. Sporting have previously toyed with the idea of renaming their home stadium, Estádio José Alvalade, in honor of Ronaldo, while the 35-year-old megastar already has an airport named after him on his native Madeira. 

He has gone on to amass a haul of five Champions League titles, as well as domestic league and cup titles in England, Spain and Italy.