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5 iconic moments when Cristiano Ronaldo proved the world wrong

Check out the top five instances when Cristiano Ronaldo silenced his doubters since coming as a young child with stunning performances, and more, on Sports.Info

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Varun Sarwate
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Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo Iconic Moments Photograph: (X)

As one of the best players in the history of the beautiful game, Cristiano Ronaldo has come a long way from a young child who took up football as a way to rise above his lowly origins and find meaning in life. Despite his advanced age, the Portuguese superstar has been rewriting history for more than ten years and shows no signs of slowing down. 

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With his standout accomplishments for several clubs over his career, Cristiano Ronaldo has adorned the football. His career has been full of amazing, jaw-dropping moments for some of the world's top teams. Even at 40, he never ceases to astound the globe with his activities and accomplishments, and he finished 2023 as the highest scorer.

Here are the 5 iconic moments when Cristiano Ronaldo proved the world wrong: 

5. Crossed 900 goal mark

Cristiano Ronaldo 900
Cristiano Ronaldo 900 Photograph: (X)

Cristiano Ronaldo scored a pivotal goal in Portugal's 2-1 victory over Croatia in their Nations League opening, marking his 900th career goal. In the 34th minute, Ronaldo, who had failed to score in Portugal's five Euro 2024 games, doubled Portugal's advantage by tapping in from close range after finishing a beautiful cross from Nuno Mendes. Ronaldo departed United for Al Nassr, a Saudi Pro League team, at the beginning of 2023. 

4. Cristiano Ronaldo's  free-kick against Spain

Cristiano Ronaldo Spain vs Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo Spain vs Portugal Photograph: (X)

The first for Portugal in the FIFA World Cup 2018 was against Spain. Cristiano Ronaldo scored the opening goal of the match, which was a free kick. Spain took the lead in the game. But the turning point of the game came in the 88th minute when a free kick was awarded to the team. It was Cristiano Ronaldo who scored that free-kick as Portugal levelled the game against Spain by 3-3. Cristiano Ronaldo's hat-trick of free-kicks helped Portugal end the game in a draw. Marking his 51st hat-trick of the World Cup.

Also Read: Cristiano Ronaldo reveals how close he was to joining Barcelona

3. Guiding Manchester United into the UCL Finals

Cristiano Ronaldo Arsenal vs Manchester United
Cristiano Ronaldo Arsenal vs Manchester United Photograph: (X)

In the semi-final of the UEFA Champions League, Manchester United faced Arsenal. Cristiano Ronaldo scored two goals in the match as Manchester United won the game 3-1. In that match, he scored an amazing free-kick goal from 40 yards, which was one of the best moments of the match.

2. Juventus comeback against Atletico Madrid

Cristiano Ronaldo Juv vs Alt
Cristiano Ronaldo Juv vs Alt Photograph: (X)

During the second leg of UCL playing for Juventus, Cristiano Ronaldo overcame a comeback and led the team into the quarterfinals. Atletico Madrid was the clear favourite to win the match but Cristiano Ronaldo stood between them and proved everyone wrong. The only three goals in the match came from him. Juventus won the game by 3-0 and on aggregate 3-2.

1. Leading Portugal to the 2016 Euros 

Cristiano Ronaldo win EURO 2016
Cristiano Ronaldo win EURO 2016 Photograph: (X)

In 2016, Cristiano Ronaldo finally got to taste success with Portugal. Going into the tournaments, Portugal was one of the favourite teams to win EURO 2016 along with England, Spain, and host nation France. However, Portugal made it into the finals of EURO 2016. In the finals, Portugal faced France. Even though Portugal lifted the EURO 2016 title for Cristiano Ronaldo, the tournament ended on a bitter note as he suffered an injury and was subbed in the 25th minute. This was his first title with Portugal. 

 

Cristiano Ronaldo UEFA Champions League
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