In this article, FreeKickSEO will dive into the question when did Ronaldos dad pass away, exploring not just the date but the life, struggles, and legacy of José Dinis Aveiro — father to Cristiano Ronaldo. Right away: José Dinis Aveiro died on September 6, 2005, in London. He was 51 years old. This occured when Ronaldo was still 20, early in his Manchester United career.
Now, let’s go deeper: what led to his death, who he was as a person, how the event shaped Ronaldo’s life and career, and what fans should know about this often-overlooked chapter of his personal history.
Who was José Dinis Aveiro
José Dinis Aveiro was born in Madeira, Portugal, in 1953 or 1954 (sources differ slightly). He was the son of Filomena and Humberto de Aveiro, and fathered four children with Maria Dolores dos Santos — among them Cristiano Ronaldo, Katia, Hugo, and Elma.
His work life was humble. He worked as a municipal gardener. He also helped out as a kit man / equipment manager for the local club CF Andorinha in Madeira, especially in Cristiano’s early youth football days. His involvement with Andorinha helped bring Ronaldo closer to the game. The Famous People)
He is also reported to have served in the Portuguese military, with deployments in Africa, including Mozambique and Angola, during a time of conflict. This experience, some accounts say, influenced both his worldview and struggles later in life.
Cause and circumstances of his death
Understanding when Ronaldos dad passed away also means understanding how and why.
- José Dinis Aveiro died of liver failure, which stemmed from long-term alcohol abuse.
- His alcoholism had been an ongoing problem. Over the years, his health deteriorated significantly due to this.
- He passed away in London, England. Some sources say he was there seeking treatment.
The date, age, and Ronaldo’s situation then
- Date of death: September 6, 2005.
- Age at death: 51 years old.
- Ronaldo’s age at that time: He was 20 years old. Cristiano had already moved to Manchester United (2003), and was rising in prominence when his father passed.
Impact on Ronaldo’s life and career
The death of his father left a deep emotional effect on Ronaldo. It’s often cited as one of the moments that hardened his resolve, pushed him to work harder, and shaped his character.
- Ronaldo has spoken in interviews about how hard it was that his father didn’t live to see many of his successes — awards, trophies, the global respect he eventually achieved.
- It’s also said that José’s struggles with alcohol influenced Ronaldo’s choices: Ronaldo generally has avoided alcohol, citing his father’s suffering as a warning.
- There was a reported moment when national team manager Luiz Felipe Scolari broke the news to Ronaldo, a moment of vulnerability for the player.
Common misconceptions and clarifications
Because of conflicting reports, some details are sometimes misrepresented. Here are clarifications to avoid confusion:
- Some sources say José was 52; most more credible ones agree on 51 at time of death.
- While many say he died in London, some mention treatment being sought in London, but precise details of the treatment or hospital are not well-documented.
- Different accounts vary slightly on his birth year (1953 vs 1954) — but his death date is consistently given as September 6, 2005.
Legacy: How José Dinis Aveiro is remembered
Even though José Dinis Aveiro didn’t live long enough to see his son reach superstardom, his memory and impact live on in many ways.
- Ronaldo has publicly honored him several times — dedicating performances, goals, and even gestures toward the sky in memory of his dad.
- Ronaldo’s avoidance of alcohol and his strong work ethic are often tied back to lessons learned from his father’s struggles.
- In the stories shared by Ronaldo and those close to him, José is portrayed as supportive (when possible), proud of his son’s early talent, and someone who despite serious flaws, played a part in Ronaldo’s journey into football.
Why the question still matters
For many fans, asking when did Ronaldos dad pass away isn’t just about an obituary detail. It’s about understanding the man behind the legend, the early struggles that shaped one of football’s greatest. Knowing the date, the cause, and the personal context helps humanize Cristiano Ronaldo — not just as a goal scorer or record breaker, but as someone who has carried loss, responsibility, and drive.
Conclusion
To remind you: when did Ronaldos dad pass away — José Dinis Aveiro died on September 6, 2005, in London, at age 51, from liver failure linked to long-term alcohol abuse. His passing came when Cristiano Ronaldo was just 20 and early in his global football journey.
At FreeKickSEO, we believe knowing these details enriches your understanding of football legends. If you want, I can also share a full biography of José Dinis Aveiro, Ronaldo’s childhood timeline, or how Ronaldo got past that loss to become the icon he is today. Would you like that?
