The best goals by the former Real Madrid and Manchester United icon
Cristiano Ronaldo turns 40 today and his legendary career is showing no signs of slowing down.
In almost every metric, Ronaldo is one of the game’s greatest ever players – whether that be goals scored, trophies won or longevity at the top of level.
The five-time Ballon d’Or has scored an unthinkable 917 goals during his time playing for Portugal, Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and now Al-Nassr.
But which ones are the best? We have taken on the unenviable task of picking the five greatest here.
5. Portugal vs. Spain (2018 World Cup)
O gol de falta do Cristiano Ronaldo contra a Espanha na Copa do Mundo de 2018. O craque português marcou 3 vezes no jogo! pic.twitter.com/C6RYrBqO3C
— Goleada Info (@goleada_info) April 23, 2020
Ronaldo lighted up Portugal’s 3-3 thriller against Spain at the 2018 World Cup, scoring all three of the Selecao’s goals – including a stunning third to equalise late on.
Trailing 3-2 with minutes remaining, the then Real Madrid star curled the ball over the wall and into the top corner, with David de Gea left stranded – a familiar feeling for a a goalkeeper facing one of CR7’s free-kicks.
4. Juventus vs. Sampdoria (2019)
C-AIR-7 | De laatste keer dat Cristiano Ronaldo tegen Sampdoria speelde verbaasde hij ons allemaal! 🔝😱 pic.twitter.com/UOG2VDpl8L
— DAZN België (@DAZN_BENL) July 26, 2020
Much of these goals make it into this list by virtue of Ronaldo’s unique and superhuman ability on show and this is certainly one that fits that category.
It is rare to see headers make a greatest goals list but this one is certainly worthy of that after rising an astonishing 2.56 metres in the air to rise almost a whole body above the Sampdoria defender before powering a header into the net.
3. Manchester United vs. Portsmouth (2008)
Utterly outrageous 😍@Cristiano‘s iconic free-kick against Portsmouth from 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 angle 📐
The greatest free-kick in #PL history? pic.twitter.com/VqllsQBUkc
— Premier League (@premierleague) July 20, 2021
Ronaldo produced a sensational free-kick against Portsmouth in January 2008 in what is undoubtedly his most iconic Premier League goal.
Having already opened the scoring at Old Trafford, the forward delivered a knuckleball shot that swerved and dipped past helpless goalkeeper David James, who did not move and simply shrugged his shoulders aftet the ball flew into the top corner.
2.Manchester United vs. Porto (2009)
THREAD: Cristiano Ronaldo Manchester United moments…
🤯 THAT @Cristiano wonder-strike against Porto in 2009! #UCL | @ManUtd pic.twitter.com/oDcXVK0Rf6
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) January 29, 2021
Ronaldo was at the peak of his powers in a Manchester United shirt during this period anda season later against Porto, he scored a scarcely believab;e goal from approximately 40 yards out.
Picking up the ball not far past the half-way line, he unleashed a powerful shot that arrowed into the top corner, securing a 1-0 victory and progression to the Champions League semi-finals.
1. Real Madrid vs. Juventus (2018)
🤯🤯🤯 @Cristiano Ronaldo #OTD in 2018…
✅ Scores one of the greatest goals in competition history
✅ 1st player to net in 10 consecutive #UCL games#OnThisDay | @realmadriden pic.twitter.com/wLIk8UGfCp— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 3, 2020
Ronaldo delivered the most jawdropping moments of his career for Real Madrid against Juventus in the Champions League in 2017-18.
Leaping into the air, he executed a perfectly timed overhead kick, sending the ball past the legendary Gianluigi Buffon for a goal which was a perfect display of his unrivalled technical ability.
The goal was so extraordinary that it sent manager Zinedine Zidane into disbelief earned a standing ovation from the opposing Juventus fans, a true testament to its brilliance.
