11/09/2026

RONALDO'S ICONIC MOMENTS


Cristiano Ronaldo says his international career with Portugal is over, meaning the 41-year-old will just play on with Al-Nassr.

BBC Sport looks at some of the most iconic moments of a career that has also taken in spells at Sporting, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus.

The friendly that changed everything



After 31 first-team games and five goals for Sporting, Ronaldo caught the eye of Manchester United in a pre-season friendly in 2003, setting up two goals in a 3-1 win in Lisbon.

Ronaldo revealed that United boss Alex Ferguson took him into the dressing room afterwards to meet the players.

Five days later he joined the Red Devils for £12m.

"After we played Sporting the lads in the dressing room talked about him constantly, and on the plane back from the game they urged me to sign him - that's how highly they rated him," said Ferguson.

"He is one of the most exciting young players I've ever seen."

Ronaldo wins first Premier League title (2007)



Ronaldo won the FA Cup in his first season at United, scoring in the final against Millwall.

But it was in 2006-07 that his career really exploded. He hit 17 Premier League goals, his first season of double figures, was named player of the year and young player of the year - and won his first league title.

The following season was even better, winning his first Champions League - scoring in the final - his first European Golden Shoe for top scorer, and another league title.

Ronaldo's Clasico winner seals Copa del Rey (2011)



Ronaldo's first season at Real Madrid produced no trophies and his second saw just the Copa del Rey won.

That final was especially notable because it is the first time Ronaldo had scored the winning goal in a final. And it was in El Clasico, one of four meetings in 18 days in all competitions.

He rose at the far post to power in a trademark header from Angel di Maria's cross in extra time as Real beat Barcelona 1-0.

Ronaldo breaks men's international goals record (2021)



Ali Daei scored 109 goals for Iran between 1993 and 2006 - and it was felt like maybe his world record for international goals in men's football would never be broken.

But Ronaldo's two late headers in a World Cup qualifying win over the Republic of Ireland in 2021 took him onto 111 goals.

He kept adding to that total and finished on 146 goals in 234 caps - also a record for international appearances.

- Author: Emlyn Begley, BBC

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