Cristiano Ronaldo (CR7) is arguably the best player in history! At the age of 36, he is still leading the Portuguese National Team and the Juventus team. It is a story that started way back at Sporting Lisbon.
He impressed Sir Alex Ferguson in a friendly against the Red Devils that the legendary Scot made a quick decision to sign him. It was a marvelous decision! He has gone on to score over 700 goals for club and country, with many trophies picked along the way. Now, you are perhaps wondering which ones of his many collections of goals stand a cut above the rest. Let us look at 10 of the greatest goals that will always be remembered.
Bicycle Kick against Juventus
In the 2017-2018 UCL season, CR7 came up against his current employers, Juventus, tussling for a place in the Semis. The superstar was the star of the show as he scored a goal of the ages with a lovely bicycle kick. In the 64th minute, as he shifted away from goal inside the box, Ronaldo leaped to meet a cross from Daniel Carvajal. He managed to get just the right power and direction on the shot to leave Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon helpless and rooted. This is perhaps the greatest goal in the history of the UCL from one of the best players to never win the FIFA World Cup Trophy.
Screamer against Porto
The screamer against Porto has got to be one of the most unforgettable goals in the illustrious career of CR7. Just six minutes into the match, Ronaldo picked the ball just a few yards off the center circle, turned and pulled a rocket! It will also be remembered that Man united made history that day as the first-ever English team to win against Porto at home.
Free Kick against Sunderland
This was a peculiar goal. At first glance, it seemed like it would be a free-kick that would land on the top right corner. Many will tell you they don’t know how he did it, but the ball bent and before you know it, the ball ended up in the top left corner.
Dripping Shot in against Man United
The match was set for Juventus against CR7s former employers in November 2018. Leonardo Bonucci delivered a sumptuous ball over the top as Ronaldo charged towards goalkeeper David De Gea. In a matter of milliseconds, he had volleyed a rocket ball past De Gea. Even though Juventus were dominant in that Champions League tie, Manchester United sparked up a comeback to go through in the end.
Finishing an incredible counter-attack against Ajax
With just seven passes and a distance of about 100 yards, Ronaldo managed to score a memorable goal against Dutch-outfit Ajax. It was all a quick combination of Mesut Ozil, CR7 and the Kaka. Ozil started it at the edge of the box, setting up Kaka. Kaka and CR7 then exchanged some quick passes at the center of the park releasing Ozil on the right flank. Ozil then fed in a cross-back to the onrushing CR7 who finished the fine move!
That counter-attack against Arsenal
Talking of counter-attacks, there is one other that has to make to the list. In May 2009, Man United were up against arch-rivals Arsenal in the Champions League semi-final. The Man United team boasted a team of quick forwards. No wonder it only took Man United just three passes to get from one box in a classic counter-attack goal. In this one, Ronaldo combined with Rooney and Park Ji-Sung. In just about 8 seconds, they had Arsenal on edge. CR7 stretched to finish past Manuel Almunia. Man united eventually went on rout Arsenal 4-1 on aggregate
Cheeky Backheel against Aston Villa
Ronaldo has always been a fan of flicks and backheels. Many will remember that cheeky flick goal against Aston Villa in 2008. From a Ryan Giggs corner, Villa defenders struggled to clear. The ball fell to CR7 at the center of the box and he applied some quick-thinking skills to backheel it to goal. He was able to get the ball past five players and a goalkeeper. The goalkeeper’s efforts to keep it out were all but futile. Well, no one had anticipated the flick, including his United teammates.
Dipping Free Kick in the Madrid Derby
In this memorable moment, Ronaldo delivered another free-kick goal. In the 24th minute, Madrid got a free-kick at around 30-yards away from goal-a prime CR7 position. The forward stepped away, pumped his cheeks and delivered a dipping shot that bamboozled even a keeper in the shape of Thibaut Courtois.
Free Kick against Portsmouth
This is yet another free-kick that goes down in history as one of his best goals. In this match, United played against Portsmouth in the Premier League fixture in January 2008. The Red Devils won a free-kick at around 25 yards straight away from the goal. Despite the five-man wall set by the Pompey team, Cristiano Ronaldo managed to launch the ball powerfully through to the top right corner of the goal post. Poor goalkeeper David James could not stand a chance against such expertise. His defeated expression said it all!
Screamer against Osasuna from 40 Yards Out
The Real Madrid and Osasuna in the La Liga in March 2012 saw Cristiano score another 40-yard screamer. The ball went right past the keeper and smashed the back of the net. Can you imagine that he was just near the halfway line when he decided to let it go! Right after scoring the goal, he pointed to his leg muscles in a joyous and celebratory mood.
Final Remarks
Who would have known that one cocky Portuguese teenager would go up the ranks and become the greatest of all time? Indeed, Cristiano has been a revelation. He has won many awards and titles over such an admirable career. He is arguably the GOAT and we should enjoy his talent for as long as it lasts!