10 of the Most Iconic Cristiano Ronaldo Moments as CR7 Turns 40

05 Feb 2025 ScoreWaves Staff view

Views: 139 read

4 Mins Read

Cristiano Ronaldo, a name synonymous with footballing excellence, turns 40 today. Over the past two decades, he has gifted fans countless unforgettable moments that have etched his name in the annals of sports history. So, let's take a journey through ten of the most iconic instances that define CR7's illustrious career.

1) The Arrival at Old Trafford (2003)

When Cristiano Ronaldo first set foot at Old Trafford in 2003, few could have predicted that he would go on to become one of the greatest footballers of all time. But even before he donned the iconic red jersey, he had already left Sir Alex Ferguson mesmerized. That moment came in a preseason friendly between Sporting CP and Manchester United. The 18-year-old Ronaldo tormented United’s defense all night, dazzling with his blistering pace, mesmerizing footwork, and fearless dribbling. John O’Shea, in particular, had a nightmare dealing with the young winger, who ran rings around him. By the time the final whistle blew, Sporting had secured a 3-1 victory, but more importantly, Ronaldo had just played his way into the biggest move of his career.

The United players, still in awe of what they had witnessed, urged Ferguson to sign him immediately. Ferguson didn’t hesitate. Within days, Ronaldo became a Manchester United player for £12.24 million, making him the most expensive teenager in football history at the time. Given the legendary No. 7 shirt, previously worn by icons like George Best and David Beckham, Ronaldo embraced the pressure. His arrival marked the beginning of a glorious journey that would shape football history.

2) The FA Cup Final Performance (2004)

Cristiano Ronaldo’s first major final with Manchester United came in the 2004 FA Cup, and he made sure it was a night to remember. At just 19 years old, Ronaldo showcased his immense talent on the grandest stage, tormenting Millwall’s defense with his blistering pace and dazzling footwork. It didn’t take long for him to make an impact. Shortly before halftime, Ronaldo rose high to meet Gary Neville’s pinpoint cross, powering a header into the net to give United the lead. It was a sign of things to come.

In the second half, United took full control, with Ruud van Nistelrooy bagging a brace to seal a 3-0 win. But it was Ronaldo’s fearless performance that stole the show. His goal marked the first of many on the big stage, proving he was ready to shine under pressure. That FA Cup triumph was Ronaldo’s first trophy in England, but it certainly wouldn’t be his last.

3) The 40-Yard Thunderbolt Against Porto (2009)

Cristiano Ronaldo has scored plenty of outrageous goals in his career, but his 40-yard rocket against Porto in the 2009 Champions League quarterfinals was truly something special. With Manchester United needing a win to advance, Ronaldo stepped up in spectacular fashion. Just six minutes into the game, he picked up the ball from Anderson in midfield, took a touch, and unleashed a thunderous strike from way outside the box. The ball soared through the air like a missile, crashing into the top corner past a helpless Helton.

The entire Estádio do Dragão was left stunned. It was a goal of pure power, precision, and audacity—exactly what made Ronaldo so special. That screamer turned out to be the only goal of the game, securing United’s place in the semifinals. Even years later, Ronaldo has called it one of the best goals he’s ever scored. And honestly, who could argue with that?

4) A Record-Breaking Transfer to Real Madrid (2009)

Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Real Madrid in 2009 wasn’t just a transfer—it was a statement. After six glorious years at Manchester United, where he won everything there was to win, Ronaldo made history by becoming the most expensive player ever at the time, with Madrid paying a then-record €94 million to bring him to the Santiago Bernabéu.

The hype was unreal. When he was unveiled at the Bernabéu, an astonishing 80,000 fans packed the stadium just to see their new superstar. Madrid knew they weren’t just signing a player; they were bringing in a global phenomenon. Ronaldo arrived with sky-high expectations, but he didn’t just meet them—he shattered them.

That move kick-started one of the most dominant individual eras in football history. From countless goals to four Champions League titles with Madrid, Ronaldo more than justified his price tag. This transfer changed football forever.

5) Leading Portugal to European Glory (2016)

Cristiano Ronaldo’s crowning moment with Portugal came at Euro 2016. After years of heartbreak on the international stage, he finally led his nation to glory—but not in the way anyone expected. In the final against France, disaster struck early. Ronaldo went down injured after just 25 minutes, tears streaming down his face as he was forced off. For most teams, losing their captain and talisman would be a death sentence, but Ronaldo wasn’t done. From the sidelines, he became Portugal’s biggest motivator, passionately coaching his teammates alongside manager Fernando Santos.

Then, in extra time, Éder stunned France with a long-range strike, sealing Portugal’s first-ever major international trophy. Despite not finishing the match, this was Ronaldo’s triumph. He had carried Portugal to the final with crucial goals, and his leadership—both on and off the pitch—defined the team’s spirit. It was the moment that cemented his legendary status for his country.

6) The Overhead Kick Against Juventus (2018)

Some goals are great. Some goals are unforgettable. And then there’s Cristiano Ronaldo’s overhead kick against Juventus in 2018—one of the most breathtaking moments in Champions League history. In the quarterfinal first leg, Real Madrid were already leading 1-0 in Turin when Dani Carvajal lofted a cross into the box. What happened next was pure magic. Ronaldo, with his back to goal, launched himself into the air and connected perfectly with the ball, sending it soaring past a helpless Gianluigi Buffon. The Juventus crowd did something almost unheard of—they rose to their feet and applauded an opposition player.

It was the ultimate mark of respect for a goal that defied logic, physics, and belief. Even Ronaldo, usually so composed, admitted it was the best goal of his career. That night, he didn’t just score—he created art on the grandest stage.

7) The Hat-Trick Against Spain in the World Cup (2018)

Cristiano Ronaldo has always thrived on the biggest stage, and his hat-trick against Spain in the 2018 World Cup was a masterclass in clutch performances. Facing one of the tournament’s favorites in their opening group game, Portugal needed their captain to deliver—and he did in spectacular fashion. Ronaldo opened the scoring with a coolly taken penalty before striking again just before halftime, catching David de Gea off guard with a low-driven shot.

But his defining moment came in the 88th minute. With Portugal trailing 3-2, he won a free-kick just outside the box. The tension was unbearable, but Ronaldo, as always, embraced the pressure. With his signature stance, he curled a stunning shot over the wall and into the top corner, leaving De Gea helpless. The match ended 3-3, and Ronaldo became the oldest player to score a World Cup hat-trick. It was yet another chapter in his legendary career.

8) The Return to Manchester United (2021)

Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to Manchester United in 2021 was a moment that sent shockwaves through the football world. After weeks of speculation and a dramatic last-minute twist that saw United swoop in ahead of Manchester City, CR7 was back at the club where he became a global superstar. It was a transfer filled with nostalgia, emotion, and immense anticipation. Old Trafford was electric as he made his second debut against Newcastle, and he wasted no time making an impact—scoring twice in a 4-1 victory. It was as if he had never left.

Peter Drury captured the moment in a way only he could: "Madeira, Manchester, Madrid, Turin, and Manchester again. Wreathed in red. Restored to this great gallery of the game. A walking work of art. Vintage. Beyond valuation, beyond forgery or imitation. 18 years since that trembling teenager of touch and tease first tiptoed onto this storied stage. Now in his immaculate maturity. CR7 reunited."

It wasn’t just a player returning to a club—it was football history coming full circle. The sheer magnitude of the occasion, the emotion in the stands, and Ronaldo’s immediate impact made it one of the most iconic homecomings the sport has ever seen.

9) Surpassing Ali Daei's International Goal Record (2021)

Cristiano Ronaldo’s hunger for records has always set him apart, and in September 2021, he achieved one of his greatest milestones—becoming the all-time leading goal scorer in men’s international football. Facing Ireland in a World Cup qualifier, Ronaldo needed two goals to surpass Ali Daei’s long-standing record of 109 international goals. After an early penalty miss, it seemed like fate was delaying his historic moment.

But Ronaldo, as he has done countless times, rose to the occasion. In the 89th minute, he equalized with a towering header, matching Daei’s record. Then, deep into stoppage time, he soared above the Irish defense once again, heading home the winner and securing his place in history. With 110 international goals, he became the undisputed king of international scoring. It was a record that symbolized not just his talent, but his relentless drive to be the best—no matter the stage.

10) The Move to Al Nassr (2023)

Cristiano Ronaldo's move to Al Nassr in December 2022 marked the beginning of a new era in world football. His arrival in the Saudi Pro League wasn't just a transfer; it was a statement. Ronaldo’s influence extended far beyond his on-field brilliance, shining a spotlight on a league that had largely been in the shadows of Europe’s elite competitions. His decision to join Al Nassr opened the door for a wave of high-profile signings, including Neymar, Mahrez, Firmino, and Mane.

These marquee players followed in Ronaldo’s footsteps were lured by the outrageous salaries and growing ambition of the league. If the Saudi Pro League continues to grow at this rate, Ronaldo’s impact could reshape the global football landscape, attracting more talent and elevating the league’s profile to new heights. His move to Al Nassr could be remembered as a turning point, with football's future in the Middle East looking more exciting than ever.

Also Read: Alphonso Davies Signs a Long-Term Contract With Bayern Munich To End Real Madrid Transfer Saga