Cristiano Ronaldo joins blood drive

To encourage more young blood donors around the world, Real Madrid and Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo has agreed a partnership with healthcare group Abbott.

He will be the face of an international multi-platform Abbott campaign. Ronaldo, 30, is the first global ambassador for the 'Be The 1 movement'.

"We can all make a difference by donating blood," said Ronaldo. "Each donation can benefit up to three people in emergency situations and for long-term medical treatments. That’s why I am enthusiastic to be partnering with Abbott to bring awareness to the importance of blood donation and to encourage people around the world to become lifelong blood donors and help save lives.”

The website for the effort, BeThe1Donor.com, includes information on joining the campaign, as well as the impact of blood donations around the world.