VIGO, SPAIN – JANUARY 25: Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the Copa del Rey quarter-final second leg match between Celta de Vigo and Real Madrid CF at the Balaidos stadium on January 25, 2017 in Vigo, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Real Madrid via Getty Images)
The very best of Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal-scoring exploits.
Cristiano Ronaldo has become a genuine superstar in the footballing world, and within global popular culture. Generally found in debates (and Facebook polls) with Lionel Messi regarding the best player on the planet, Ronaldo has secured his place as one of the best footballers in history.
The Real Madrid forward has displayed his incredible skill, pace and athletic abilities for well over a decade. Perhaps the most impressive part is that at the age of 32, CR7 does not appear to be slowing down any time soon.
From sensational passes to insane step-overs, Ronaldo’s jaw-dropping moves can be absolutely mesmerizing.
Developing with Sporting CP’s youth system in his native Portugal, Ronaldo transferred to Manchester United in the summer of 2003. His time at Old Trafford was a monumental success, collecting trophies and scoring goals with some of Sir Alex Ferguson’s most talented United sides.
Ronaldo moved to Real Madrid in 2009, where his world-class abilities continue to shine in the Spanish capital. On the international stage, he is the all-time leader in goals and appearances for the Portuguese national team. Despite injury in the final against France, his leadership as captain helped guide A Selecão to glory at Euro 2016.
Playing For 90 takes a look back at the ten best goals in Cristiano Ronaldo’s glittering career for both club and country.
guide A Selecão to glory at Euro 2016</a>.</p>
<p>Playing For 90 takes a look back at the ten best goals in Cristiano Ronaldo’s glittering career for both club and country.</p>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 27: Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United scores his side’s second goal during the UEFA Champions League match between Manchester United and Sporting Lisbon at Old Trafford on November 27 2007, in Manchester, England. (Photo by Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)</p>
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<h3><strong>Sporting CP – November 2007</strong></h3>
<p>One of Cristiano Ronaldo’s greatest strengths is his ability to score from free-kicks, and from seemingly anywhere on the pitch as well. He has truly produced stunning moments, but one against his old club stands out for several reasons.</p>
<p>A UEFA Champions League group-stage match against Sporting CP in 2007 with Manchester United saw his goal come at a crucial time near the end of the match for a 2-1 victory, and also eliminate Sporting from the competition.</p>
<p>From 35 yards out, Ronaldo smashes the ball into of the top corner of the net and leaves the goalkeeper in a state of frustration.</p>
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<p>But it is Ronaldo’s reaction in such a brilliant moment that stands out. Understanding the magnitude of the goal and against his former side, Ronaldo simply shrugs and does his best not to celebrate the strike.</p>
<p>Ronaldo’s reputation is often one of arrogance, but his excellent goal against Sporting featured a great gesture of respect for his opponent and the game.</p>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring his goal during the UEFA EURO 2016 Group F match between Hungary and Portugal at Stade des Lumieres on June 22, 2016 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Jean Paul Thomas/Icon Sport) (Photo by Jean Paul Thomas/Icon Sport via Getty Images)</p>
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<h3><strong>Hungary – June 2016</strong></h3>
<p>Euro 2016 was a fascinating ride to the final for Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal. Three draws against Iceland, Austria and Hungary just barely advanced the squad to the knockout rounds.</p>
<p>Down 2-1 to Hungary in the final group-stage match had Portugal on the brink of elimination, until their captain was able to pull off a bit of magic in front of goal.</p>
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<p>A cross into the penalty area dropped with just enough time to get a touch on the ball, and Ronaldo’s creative genius comes into full focus. With a slick back-heel, CR7 slots home the equaliser for Portugal.</p>
<p>The goal was significant, as he became the only player to score at four European Championships. Hungary would reclaim the lead only moments later, with Ronaldo yet again levelling the match to finish 3-3.</p>
<p>The result was enough to get Portugal into the Round of 16. Croatia, Poland and Wales all fell before the final against hosts France. A <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2017/02/18/cristiano-ronaldo-top-10-time-goals/"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfk6CarODwk%22>thrilling extra-time victory </a>was made possible by Ronaldo’s heroics early in the tournament.</p>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">MADRID, SPAIN – OCTOBER 17: Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid reacts during the La Liga match between Real Madrid CF and Levante UD at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 17, 2015 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)</p>
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<h3><strong>Levante UD – October 2015</strong></h3>
<p>Real Madrid’s latest versions of Los Galacticos have featured an attacking front that can often completely overwhelm the opposition and midfielders who can cover acres of space. Ronaldo’s goal against Levante last season was an excellent example of how he makes even an incredible team that much better.</p>
<p>Levante make a mistake, and pay dearly for it very quickly.</p>
<p>After gaining possession in the midfield and getting the ball to CR7 about 25 yards from goal, Ronaldo takes a touch and unleashes a furious shot into the bottom corner of the net. Even the best goalkeeper in the world would not have the reflexes to keep up with his blistering pace.</p>
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<p>The sequence is ultimately a success for the entire squad, not just Ronaldo. But the goal displays his excellent instincts and ability to understand his team-mates’ positioning.</p>
<p>Throughout all of the changes around him since arriving at the Santiago Bernabeu, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to lead a squad to new heights each year with Real Madrid.</p>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 23: Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United celebrates scoring their second goal during the Barclays FA Premier League match between Manchester United and Everton at Old Trafford on December 23 2007, in Manchester, England. (Photo by Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)</p>
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<h3><strong>Everton – December 2007</strong></h3>
<p>The 2007-08 season was a memorable one for both Manchester United and Cristiano Ronaldo, as a successful campaign brought trophies and electricity to Old Trafford. Ronaldo was the leading scorer in the English top flight with 31 goals, as the Red Devils captured a Premier League title and defeated Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League final.</p><div class="widget fs_ads"> <div class="fs_ad_widget-ad" style="margin:0 auto; width: 300px;"> <div class="fs-ll-ad" data-ad-type="minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet" data-vendor="minutemedia">
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<p>Ronaldo was at his unstoppable best for much of the year, and his efforts against Everton late in 2007 were spectacular. The match’s opening goal was the snapshot of young man a step above the competition.</p>
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<p>Just outside the penalty area, Ronaldo turns Everton defender Lee Carsley and fires a shot that leaves goalkeeper Tim Howard completely baffled.</p>
<p>The Toffees would equalise, only to see Ronaldo convert a penalty-kick to give United a 2-1 victory.</p>
<p>Everton played well that day, and deserved more from the fixture. But Cristiano Ronaldo was able to deliver for Sir Alex Ferguson’s squad.</p>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">MADRID, SPAIN – APRIL 04: Cristiano Ronaldo (L) of Real Madrid celebrates after scoring with his team-mate Kaka during the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg match between Real Madrid and APOEL FC at Bernabeu on April 4, 2012 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images)</p>
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<h3><strong>APOEL FC – April 2012</strong></h3>
<p>The power and precision that Ronaldo brings to free-kick situations can be a nightmare for even the best defensive approach. But his creativity and accuracy can add a dimension that can be impossible to prepare for.</p>
<p>The 2011-12 campaign matched Los Blancos against the unlikeliest of sides in the quarter-final round. Cypriot club APOEL FC made a remarkable run, but were eliminated 8-2 on aggregate by Real Madrid.</p>
<p>In the second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu, Ronaldo’s free-kick was nothing short of genius.</p>
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<p>Only a few yards from the penalty area on the left side of the pitch, Real Madrid and manager Jose Mourinho had a myriad of options to choose from going at goal. The ball could be played centrally, or they have the space to go directly at the net.</p>
<p>APOEL utilise a two-man wall and position the goalkeeper far to his left, inviting Ronaldo to try a near-post effort that may not be able to angle down in time.</p>
<p>Instead Ronaldo has the sheer audacity and unmitigated gall to go the opposite way, and beats the goalkeeper with a curling effort that strikes the post on the way into the net.</p>
<p>Something quite special indeed.</p>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">MADRID, SPAIN – JANUARY 09: Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid in action during the Round of 16 Copa del Rey second leg match between Real Madrid and Celta de Vigo at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on January 9, 2013 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Helios de la Rubia/Real Madrid via Getty Images)</p>
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<h3><strong>Celta Vigo – January 2013</strong></h3>
<p>The 2012-13 campaign began brightly for Real Madrid, but ultimately was one full of disappointment for a club that expects multiple trophies each and every year. A Spanish Super Cup was their only silverware that season, ending with manager Jose Mourinho leaving the Bernabeu.</p>
<p>But Cristiano Ronaldo was in scintillating form, scoring 55 goals across all competitions. One against Celta Vigo in the Copa del Rey Round of 16 was a glorious reminder that a defence must watch for Ronaldo no matter where he is on the pitch.</p>
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<p>In only the third minute of the match, Ronaldo takes the throw-in and quickly glances at goal. Celta defenders give him space and, although he is in position, the opposing goalkeeper does not look prepared for the firepower that will be whistling by his gloves shortly.</p>
<p>In the blink of an eye, CR7 sends the ball into the side-netting from a difficult angle to give Real the early advantage. Los Blancos would cruise to a 4-0 victory.</p>
<p>Confidence in his own abilities can create situations where Ronaldo strikes without any warning at all.</p>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">ROME, ITALY – FEBRUARY 17: Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid CF in action during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 First Leg match between AS Roma and Real Madrid CF at Stadio Olimpico on February 17, 2016 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Bellini/Getty Images)</p>
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<h3><strong>AS Roma – February 2016</strong></h3>
<p>The path to La Undecima was a long and winding road for Real Madrid that started with manager Rafael Benitez and ended with Zinedine Zidane at the helm. The club won their 11th European championship after <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2017/02/18/cristiano-ronaldo-top-10-time-goals/"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrFAIzdlTH8%22>defeating city rivals Atletico Madrid on penalties</a>.</p>
<p>Along the way, Cristiano Ronaldo provided an early spark in the Champions League Round of 16 against AS Roma.</p>
<p>Scoreless at half-time in the first leg at the Stadio Olimpico, a magnificent piece of individual skill and improvisation saw Real Madrid’s superstar gain the lead.</p>
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<p>Team-mate Marcelo sets Ronaldo up with a beautiful pass and the forward springs toward goal from the left wing. Approaching the penalty area on a tight angle and with a defender closing space, Ronaldo expertly uses his left heel to move right and fire a shot over goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny.</p>
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<p>The match needed a goal, and Ronaldo provided a memorable moment.</p>
<p>Real Madrid would win 2-0, with the same score following in the second leg at home to eliminate Roma.</p>
<p>Defenders and goalkeepers put themselves in prime positions to slow down Ronaldo’s production, but he just seems to find a way.</p>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">PORTO, PORTUGAL – APRIL 15: Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United gestures during the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg match between FC Porto and Manchester United at the Estadio do Dragao on April 15, 2009 in Porto, Portugal. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)</p>
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<h3><strong>FC Porto – April 2009</strong></h3>
<p>Cristiano Ronaldo’s final season at Old Trafford certainly brought success, as Manchester United captured a Premier League and League Cup double under Sir Alex Ferguson. Their UEFA Champions League campaign ended as runners-up to Lionel Messi and Barcelona.</p>
<p>But on the way to that European final, Ronaldo powered the Red Devils into the semi-final round with a thunderbolt against FC Porto in the quarter-final second leg.</p>
<p>A 2-2 draw at home set up a difficult visit to the Estádio do Dragão. But early in the encounter, CR7 would provide the goal needed to advance in the competition.</p>
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<p>Taking the ball 40 yards out, Ronaldo uncorks an unbelievably powerful blast into the top corner to give United a 3-2 lead on aggregate. That score would carry them through to the semi-final.</p>
<p>This kind of attempt takes skill, strength, courage and even a little bit of insanity to try. Arguably his best goal in a Manchester United shirt, it is one of the finest strikes during the Champions League in recent memory.</p>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">Manchester United’s Portuguese midfielder Cristiano Ronaldo (L) lines the ball up with English forward Wayne Rooney to score his second goal against Portsmouth during their English Premiership football match at Old Trafford in Manchester, England, 30 January 2008. (PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images)</p>
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<h3><strong>Portsmouth – January 2008</strong></h3>
<p>The football world had already seen plenty of impressive free-kicks from Cristiano Ronaldo leading up to a January Premier League fixture against Portsmouth during the 2007-08 season. As Ronaldo prepared to take the shot, 30 yards out and receiving last-minute instructions from Wayne Rooney, many at Old Trafford expected a goal.</p><div class="widget fs_ads"> <div class="fs_ad_widget-ad" style="margin:0 auto; width: 300px;"> <div class="fs-ll-ad" data-ad-type="minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet" data-vendor="minutemedia">
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<p>But the shot that Ronaldo took that chilly night was something different altogether.</p>
<p>Bursting with aggression, passion and fury, CR7 sent a missile into the right side of the net that launched supporters into celebration and left Pompey goalkeeper David James completely lost.</p>
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<p>Cristiano Ronaldo combines pace and skill on the ball at a level that most clubs are simply unable to keep up with. One of the best of his generation, his abilities are comparable to many of the all-time greats of the game.</p>
<p>But his goal against Portsmouth was unique in that the shot displayed one particular quality above the others, which was power. Pure strength that helped bring United a 2-0 victory on the evening.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #0" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://playingfor90.com/2017/02/18/cristiano-ronaldo-top-10-time-goals/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Number one </a>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">MADRID, SPAIN – JANUARY 31: Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid celebrates after scoring Real’s fourth goal during the La Liga match between Real Madrid CF and Real CD Espanyol at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on January 31, 2016 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)</p>
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<h3><strong>RCD Espanyol – January 2016</strong></h3>
<p>The Santiago Bernabeu is no stranger to a dominant performance, and the home supporters were treated to just that in a 6-0 demolition of Espanyol last season. But within that dominant performance was a goal from Cristiano Ronaldo that seemed to defy physics in certain moments.</p>
<p>Sprinting towards the penalty area on the right side of the pitch, Ronaldo uses his right heel to cut inside. Then, somehow without slowing down at all, moves to his left and uses his heel once more to get past a defender.</p>
<p>CR7’s right boot can work wonders, but he showcases how skilled he is with the left in this sequence as well. Once enough space is created in front of goal, a left-footed effort streaks into the back of the net.</p>
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<p>Real Madrid won in emphatic fashion during that match, and Ronaldo yet again flashed his incredible brilliance.</p>
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