The Legend, His Teams, and Five Iconic Moments of Cristiano Ronaldo
**Let's Begin**
Ronaldo Cristiano dos Santos Among the all-time greats in football, Aveiro is most renowned as **Cristiano Ronaldo (CR7)**. Throughout his twenty-year career, Ronaldo has inspired millions of people across the world, won a plethora of trophies, and broken many records. His incredible journey begins in Madeira, Portugal, where he was born into poverty, and ends with him being a worldwide legend.
Questions addressed in this piece include: - The length of time Cristiano Ronaldo has spent playing football and with his current team - What is the current roster size of Ronaldo's team? Here are five of his most famous moments, each with an in-depth analysis:
No matter how much or how little football knowledge you have, you will be astounded by this exploration of Ronaldo's legacy.
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## **Who Cristiano Ronaldo Is Now & His Football Career**
### **Clubs Played For:** 1. **Sporting CP (2002-2003)** – Where it all began.
2. **Manchester United (2003–2009, 2021–2022)** – Developed into a superstar under Sir Alex Ferguson.
3. **Real Madrid (2009–2018)** – Became a legend, winning **4 Champions League titles**.
4. **Juventus (2018—2021)** – Dominated Serie A and maintained shattering records.
5. **Al-Nassr (2023–Present)** – Currently competing in the **Saudi Pro League**.
### **Current Team: Al-Nassr FC (2023–Present) ** - **League:** Saudi Pro League - **Squad Size:** Approximately **30 players** (varies according to transfers)
- ** Key Teammates:** Sadio Mané, Aymeric Laporte, Marcelo Brozović - ** Achievements So Far:** Leading scorer, helping raise Saudi football’s global prominence.
Ronaldo continues to defy aging, demonstrating that class is everlasting.
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## **5 Most Iconic Cristiano Ronaldo Moments (Detailed Breakdown)**
### **1. **The Bicycle Kick Against Juventus (2018) – "The Perfect Goal"** 📅 ** Date:** April 3, 2018 ⚽ ** Match:** Real Madrid vs. Juventus (UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final)
#### **What Happened?** - In the **64th minute**, Dani Carvajal crossed the ball into the box.
- Ronaldo, with his back to goal, completed a **unstoppable bicycle kick**, blasting the ball into the top corner.
- Even Juventus supporters **gave him a standing ovation**—a rare accolade for an opponent.
#### **Why It’s Legendary?** ✅ One of the best UCL goals ever. ✅ Showcased his **athleticism, timing, and technique**. ✅ **Ronaldo himself hailed it his finest goal ever. **
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### **2. **The "Siiiuuu" Celebration After 2014 UCL Final Winner** 📅 **Date:** May 24, 2014 ⚽ **Match:** Real Madrid vs. Atlético Madrid (UEFA Champions League Final)
#### **What Happened?** - Real Madrid was behind 1-0 until **Sergio Ramos’ 93rd-minute equalizer**.
- In extra time, Ronaldo **scored a penalty (4-1)**, securing La Décima (Real’s 10th UCL title).
- He **ripped off his shirt, flexed, and yelled "Siiiuuu!"**, spawning his signature celebration.
#### **Why It’s Legendary?**
✅ One of the most **clutch performances** in UCL history.
✅ The **"Siiuuu" celebration** became a global sensation.
✅ Cemented his title as **Mr. Champions League**.
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### **3. **The 2016 UEFA Euro Final (Portugal’s First Major Trophy)** 📅 **Date:** July 10, 2016 ⚽ **Match:** Portugal vs. France (UEFA Euro Final)
#### **What Happened?**
- Ronaldo got hurt early but **motivated his squad from the sidelines**.
- **Éder scored in extra time**, giving Portugal a **1-0 win**.
- Ronaldo, in tears, took the trophy—**Portugal’s first-ever major title**.
#### **Why It’s Legendary?* * ✅ Proved he could **lead without playing**. ✅ Fulfilled his ambition of winning with Portugal. ✅ **Defied critics** who thought he couldn’t win worldwide.
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### **4. **The 95th-Minute Free-Kick against. Spain (2018 World Cup)** 📅 **Date:** June 15, 2018 ⚽ **Match:** Portugal vs. Spain (FIFA World Cup Group Stage)
#### **What Happened?** - In an exciting **3-3 match**, Ronaldo stepped up for a **last-minute free-kick**.
- He **curled it over the wall**, leaving De Gea startled.
- Completed his **hat-trick** and saved Portugal from loss.
#### **Why It’s Legendary? ** ✅ **One of the finest World Cup performances ever.**
✅ Showed his **clutch gene** on the largest stage.
✅ The **goosebumps commentary**: "Cristiano Ronaldo… OHHHH! MAGISTERIAL!"
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### **5. **Return to Manchester United & Last UCL Hat-Trick (2022)** 📅 ** Date:** March 12, 2022 ⚽ **Match:** Manchester United vs. Tottenham (Premier League)
#### **What Happened?** - At **37 years old**, Ronaldo scored **a magnificent hat-trick (3-2 win)**.
- Included a **long-range rocket**, a **poacher’s finish**, and a **powerful header**.
- Proved he **still dominated even in his late 30s**.
#### **Why It’s Legendary? ** ✅ **Oldest player to score a PL hat-trick.** ✅ Showed **age is only a number**.
✅ Emotional homecoming at Old Trafford.
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## **Conclusion: The Undying Legacy of CR7**
Cristiano Ronaldo is more than a footballer—he’s a **phenomenon**. From **gravity-defying goals** to **game-winning performances**, he has repeatedly produced magic. Even at **39**, he continues to shatter records at **Al-Nassr**, displaying his tireless drive.
### **Key Takeaways:** 🔥 **5 Ballon d’Ors, 5 UCLs, Euro 2016—his trophy cabinet is unsurpassed. ** 🔥 **Over 850 career goals** (most in football history). 🔥 **A living icon who redefined greatness.**
Will we ever see another Ronaldo? Unlikely.
**What’s your favorite Ronaldo moment? Let us know in the comments!** ⚽🔥