Cristiano Ronaldo: This is why he doesn't have any tattoos

Like in Hollywood and the music industry, football is another profession where you see people going all out with their tattoos. Messi has one arm completely covered in a various collection of designs from a portrait of Jesus, to a giant eye in his inner right arm. David Beckham is another player known for his tats, many of which are dedicated to his wife and kids. He has Victoria's name written in Hindi across his arm, and got a tattoo of ten roses inked on his left arm for their 10th anniversary.

One football legend who has stayed away from this popular form of art and expression on the field is none other that Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Portugese player has opted of this tradition and his body is a blank canvas. Yes, that’s right. Not even one small tattoo hidden away in a discrete part of his body. Nothing. While it may seem surprising to some, there’s a very good reason behind this. And no, it’s not because he’s scared of needles.

Blood and bone marrow donation

The six-time Ballon D’Or winner has no tattoos for the simple reason that he regularly donates blood and is registered as a bone marrow donner.

Getting a tattoo would require that he stop donating blood for a while. Indeed, as stated by Healthline, in 2020 the FDA ruled you must wait at least three months after getting a tattoo, non-medical injections, and piercings before donating your blood. This is because these procedures exposes your body to harmful viruses, including hepatitis B, C, and HIV.

If you donate blood and it is found to be compromised it will not be used, hence the recommendation to wait.

For the Portuguese star, it seems given the fact that he's a regular donor, the wait time may not be worth the ink.

Importance of the cause

Yes, the Portuguese international is highly invested aiding the blood donation cause and takes every opportunity to talk about it. The footballer explained back in 2015:

One donation can help three people who are urgently in need of treatment.

But how did it all begin for the football star?

In 2011, Ronaldo's Portuguese teammate, Carlos Martins, was given some devastating news. His son, who was three years old at the time, had just been diagnosed with leukemia. Martins and his wife started to advocate the importance of blood donations, and Ronaldo became one of the people who gave blood to his son.

The now-Al Nassar player spoke to Spanish radio station Cadena Cope about why he became a doner and said:

It was the time when Carlos was with us on the national team. He told us about the problem with his son and we, the players, showed great unity to help him and his son because we knew it was a very complicated situation.

(Donating bone marrow) is something a lot of people think is a difficult thing to do but it's nothing more than drawing blood and doesn't hurt.

Read more:

Cristiano Ronaldo: The four things he spends his fortune on

Cristiano Ronaldo left a very generous tip while on holiday in Greece

Cristiano Ronaldo used to beg for food in front of McDonald's

Sources used:

Inside World Soccer: Cristiano Ronaldo speaks about being bone marrow donor

Olympics.com: Cristiano Ronaldo: Seven things to know about Portugal and Manchester United's eternal No.7

Healthline: Can You Donate Blood If You Have a Tattoo? Plus Other Guidelines for Donation