Cristiano Ronaldo Called The GOAT 🐐 After Historic Goal in Portugal's World Cup Win
Nov 24, 2022
DOHA, QATAR - NOVEMBER 24: Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal celebrates after scoring their team's first goal via a penalty during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group H match between Portugal and Ghana at Stadium 974 on November 24, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Cristiano Ronaldo made history Thursday at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, becoming the first male player to score at five different World Cups in a 3-2 opening win for Portugal over Ghana.
The 37-year-old was tripped in the box for a penalty in the 65th minute, and he put Portugal ahead 1-0 from the spot:
RONALDO MAKES HISTORY
With this goal, he becomes the first men's player to score in five different FIFA World Cup tournaments 🔥🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/PxWP4Z5z8o
By virtue of his historic goal, many on social media referred to Ronaldo as the greatest soccer player of all time, including former Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson:
As has been the case for Ronaldo throughout most of his career, his accomplishment was also compared to Argentinian star Lionel Messi.
By scoring Thursday, Ronaldo broke a tie with Messi and others for most World Cup tournaments scored in, and he recorded his eighth career World Cup goal overall, which also put him one ahead of Messi:
5 - Cristiano Ronaldo has become the first player to score five in different editions of the World Cup (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022). Limitless. pic.twitter.com/w6noDKxoVR
Ronaldo's record-breaking goal came during a tumultuous week that saw him mutually agree to have his contract with English Premier League club Manchester United terminated.
As a result, Ronaldo's second stint with United ended after less than two full seasons.
The club drama did not impact Ronaldo's play at the international level, though, as his PK was the catalyst for what was ultimately a 3-2 win.
Ghana scored a surprising equalizer in the 73rd minute when André Ayew found the back of the net, but João Félix scored in the 78th minute and Rafael Leão followed up with a goal in the 80th minute to put Portugal 3-1 ahead.
Osman Bukari shrunk the deficit back down to one with a goal in the 89th minute, but Portugal managed to hang on for the win.
Ronaldo and Portugal are now in great position to advance to the knockout stage for the fourth time at the past five World Cups.
On Monday, Ronaldo will look to add to his career haul of World Cup goals when Portugal faces Uruguay, while Ghana will meet South Korea.
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2022 Men’s World Cup Power Players: Breaking Down Bruno Fernandes' Game
Nov 18, 2022
Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford in Manchester, England, Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2022. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson)
Bruno Fernandes may not be the most famous player on Portugal's men's soccer team, but he'll be an important playmaker and crucial to Portugal's hopes at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Fernandes' teammate for both club and country, Cristiano Ronaldo, is certainly more well-known, but the 28-year-old midfield magician can make something out of nothing in an instant.
Fernandes only has nine international goals, but recently he has come up with some fantastic and meaningful strikes on the international stage.
Portugal will need Fernandes to be at his best in Qatar because it faces a tough Group H that also features Uruguay, Ghana and South Korea.
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— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) June 30, 2020
As shown in the clips above, Fernandes is capable of producing incredible goals in a variety of ways, ranging from efficient finishing in the box to long-range strikes from well outside it.
While success according to Manchester United's lofty standards has been fleeting in the last several years, Fernandes has been a bright spot and a fixture of the team's attack since his arrival from Sporting CP in January of 2020.
He's been consistently productive and has excelled amid changes to his manager and supporting cast at United, notching 38 goals in 99 appearances.
Fernandes has become more of a big-game player for Portugal over the last 24 months.
Seven of his nine international goals have come over the last two years, including as Portugal booked its latest trip to the World Cup.
Fernandes' most memorable performance to date for Portugal came on the night the team booked its ticket to Qatar. He scored twice against North Macedonia in one of the three European playoff finals to secure a 2-0 win for his team.
🇵🇹 Bruno Fernandes = Portugal's hero vs North Macedonia ⚽️⚽️
The last goal he scored for his country came in the UEFA Nations League against the Czech Republic in September.
Biggest Strengths
Fernandes has displayed a flair for the spectacular with his goals for Manchester United and Portugal, but he is also one of the best playmakers headed to Qatar.
Fernandes owns 26 assists in the Premier League for Manchester United. He also has 13 assists between his UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League appearances for the Red Devils.
He also ranks fifth in the EPL this season in key passes with 25. Only Kevin De Bruyne, Andreas Pereira, James Maddison and Kieran Trippier have more. He is also seventh in expected assists and ranks eighth in passes completed into the 18-yard box, per FBRef.
His ability to work the ball into the final third can make the difference in a tight game.
World Cup Outlook
Fernandes needs to be at his best from the start of the World Cup.
Portugal has to play Ghana, Uruguay and South Korea in that order in Group H. One slip-up could put the team's knockout-round chances at risk.
Between Fernandes, Ronaldo and other stars such as Manchester City's Bernardo Silva, Portugal should have enough quality to make it out of the group and has done so in three of its last four World Cup appearances.
There may be a little extra motivation for Fernandes and his teammates to do well since Portugal exited in the round of 16 in its title defense at UEFA Euro 2020, and it hasn't made it past that stage a World Cup since 2006.
A slip-up leading to a second-place finish in the group stage could earn then a match against Brazil in the first knockout round, and even a strong showing could see them in a tough quarterfinal matchup against Belgium. They're in a tough part of the bracket, and Fernandes will be one of several players who will need to be at his best for Portugal to progress deep in the tournament.
Judge Dismisses Cristiano Ronaldo Sexual Assault Lawsuit Filed by Kathryn Mayorga
Jun 11, 2022
FILE- Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo stands on the pitch during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Norwich City at Old Trafford stadium in Manchester, England, on April 16, 2022. A Nevada woman has lost her bid in a U.S. court to force international soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo to pay millions of dollars more than the $375,000 in hush money she received after claiming he raped her in Las Vegas in 2009. (AP Photo/Jon Super, File)
U.S. District Judge Jennifer Dorsey
dismissed a civil lawsuit filed by former model Kathryn Mayorga concerning rape allegations from 2009 against Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo because of "bad faith" actions by her attorney,
Leslie Mark Stovall.
Ken Ritter of the Associated Press
reported Dorsey ruled Friday the case couldn't proceed because
evidence used by Mayorga's legal team was obtained through stolen or
leaked documents, including communication between Ronaldo and his
attorneys.
"I find that the procurement and
continued use of these documents was bad faith, and simply
disqualifying Stovall will not cure the prejudice to Ronaldo because
the misappropriated documents and their confidential contents have
been woven into the very fabric of Mayorga's claims," Dorsey said. "Harsh sanctions are merited."
Mayorga said she met Ronaldo at a Vegas
nightclub and joined him with other people in his hotel suite, where she said the sexual assault later took place. Ronaldo
has maintained they had consensual sex.
She met with police the following day but didn't provide investigators with Ronaldo's name or location of the alleged assault.
In 2018, Mayorga filed the civil case
in Nevada—it was later moved from state court to federal court—and police also decided to reopen the criminal investigation after Mayorga requested they do so.
Clark County district attorney Steve
Wolfson said in July 2019 no charges would be filed because there wasn't enough evidence to prove Mayorga's allegations beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
Mayorga, who received $375,000 from
Ronaldo in 2010 as part of a confidentiality agreement following her saying he had raped her, moved forward
with the civil lawsuit seeking more than $68 million in damages.
Her legal team argued documents
published by German outlet Der Spiegel invalidated the prior deal,
and Stovall said during the case his client lacked the "mental
capacity" to sign the 2010 agreement, per Ritter.
Neither legal team has publicly
commented on Friday's ruling.
Ronaldo is in his second stint with
Manchester United after stops with Sporting Lisbon, Real Madrid and
Juventus throughout his club career.
The 37-year-old forward is also captain
of Portugal's national team, which qualified for the 2022 FIFA World
Cup. The event kicks off in November.
Mayorga's attorneys can appeal Friday's
ruling to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.
Cristiano Ronaldo Becomes All-Time Men's International Goal Scorer with 110th Goal
Sep 1, 2021
FARO, PORTUGAL - SEPTEMBER 01: Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United and Portugal during the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifier match between Portugal and Republic of Ireland at Estadio Algarve on September 1, 2021 in Faro, Faro. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)
Add another accomplishment to Cristiano Ronaldo's legendary career.
The Portugal forward became the all-time leading goal scorer in men's international history with an 89th-minute goal against Ireland on Wednesday during a World Cup qualifier, scoring his 110th international tally to surpass Iran's Ali Daei:
🔥 A phenomenal run of 49 goals in his last 47 Portugal appearances makes the monster from Madeira the outright leading scorer in men's international history. Take a bow, legend 🙇♂️ pic.twitter.com/WFO7XbuKr8
The Manchester United star didn't wait for long to extend his lead as the all-time scoring leader, scoring the game-winner for Portugal in the sixth minute of extra time.
No other men have eclipsed 100 international goals outside of Ronaldo and Daei. The former has a long way to go to eclipse the all-time international mark, however—Canada's Christine Sinclair has a comfortable edge in that regard, with 187 international tallies.
Ronaldo is currently tied for ninth on the all-time list with the United States' Alex Morgan. Five U.S. women's internationals—Abby Wambach (184, second all-time), Mia Hamm (158, third), Kristine Lilly (130, fourth), Carli Lloyd (128, tied for fifth) and Morgan—constitute the top 10.
Ronaldo is also the all-time leading scorer at the European Championships (11) and Champions League (134) competitions.
Because no discussion of Ronaldo is complete without some arbitrary mention of Lionel Messi, the 34-year-old has 76 goals in 151 games for Argentina (tied eighth all-time among men). Among active players, Messi is tied for second in international goals with the United Arab Emirates' Ali Mabkhout.
Cristiano Ronaldo Ties Ali Daei for Most Goals in Men's International History
Jun 23, 2021
Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the Euro 2020 soccer championship group F match between Portugal and France at the Puskas Arena in Budapest, Wednesday, June 23, 2021. (Bernadett Szabo, Pool photo via AP)
Cristiano Ronaldo scored two goals in Wednesday's Euro 2020 draw against France, tying him with Iran's Ali Daei for the most goals in men's international soccer history.
Ronaldo scored in the 31st and 60th minutes on penalty kicks.
The Euros have already been brilliant for Ronaldo, who has four goals in three matches. He's found the back of the net in all three matches for Portugal, which is looking to defend its 2016 championship.
Ronaldo already set the record for most goals in Euro history last Saturday, and this is his Euro-record fifth tournament.
"This is my fifth European Championship, but for me, it feels as though it's my first,"Ronaldo said last week.
Ronaldo becoming the all-time leading scorer in international history is a foregone conclusion, and it would add to a resume that ranks him among the greatest players the sport has ever seen.
Cristiano Ronaldo Sets Euros All-Time Scoring Record with Goal vs. Hungary
Jun 15, 2021
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY - JUNE 15: Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal looks on during the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Group F match between Hungary and Portugal at Puskas Arena on June 15, 2021 in Budapest, Hungary. (Photo by Bernadett Szabo - Pool/Getty Images)
Cristiano Ronaldo became the all-time leading goalscorer in the European Championship finals with his brace Tuesday against Hungary.
Ronaldo passed Michel Platini when he gave Portugal a 2-0 lead from the penalty spot in the 87th minute. He added a second goal in the second minute of stoppage time to bring his overall total to 11.
The 36-year-old is closing in another historic achievement that could be wrapped up by the time Euro 2020 concludes.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored 2 goals in Portugal's 3-0 win vs Hungary.
His 11 career EURO goals are the most in tournament history and he's up to 106 career international goals. The men's world record is held by Iran’s Ali Daei with 109. pic.twitter.com/ff0CzTxIxa
For the most part, the key pieces remain the same from when the country lifted the Euro 2016 trophy. Fernando Santos is still the manager, and the squad includes multiple holdovers from the last tournament, including Ronaldo, Pepe, Rui Patricio, Joao Moutinho, Jose Fonte and William Carvalho.
But Ronaldo seemed to present a bit of a dilemma for Santos since the Juventus star wasn't necessarily at his best during the 2020-21 campaign, though he still led Serie A in scoring with 29 goals.
Dropping the five-time Ballon d'Or winner is a nonstarter because of his influence and profile. However, he may not be the best option up front, especially after Andre Silva bagged 28 goals in 32 Bundesliga appearances for Eintracht Frankfurt.
While Ronaldo's first goal didn't fully address that concern, his second required a combination of teamwork and individual skill.
Portugal still has big tests against Germany and France ahead in the group stage, so Tuesday represented the easy part.
Starting off with three points and having Ronaldo find the back of the net was at least the perfect way for the squad to begin its Euro title defense.
Cristiano Ronaldo Becomes 1st Player to Play at 5 Men's European Championships
Jun 15, 2021
Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo smiles during a team training session at the Ferenc Puskas stadium in Budapest, Monday, June 14, 2021 the day before the Euro 2020 soccer championship group F match between Hungary and Portugal. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic)
Cristiano Ronaldo will become the first men's soccer player to appear in five European Championships in Tuesday's match against Hungary.
2004 2008 2012 2016 🏆 2021
Cristiano Ronaldo becomes the first player to play at FIVE men's European Championships 🌟 pic.twitter.com/x6FJtgWKPo
The Portuguese national team is set to defend a 2016 championship that saw Ronaldo finally get over the hump on the international stage.
Ronaldo will be making his 22nd appearance overall at the event, which is also a record. He is currently five goals away from becoming the top scorer in men's international soccer history. His 104 goals are behind only Iran's Ali Daei (109) on the all-time list.
"Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the best players not only of his time, but of all time," Daei said last November. "He is an absolute phenomenon. I would congratulate him directly [on breaking his record], but first he has to get there."
Portugal was dealt a blow to its chances when Joao Cancelo had to leave the camp due to a positive COVID-19 test.
Cristiano Ronaldo Tests Positive for COVID-19, Will Self-Isolate
Oct 13, 2020
Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo follows his shot during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between France and Portugal at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, France, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
Portugal announced Tuesday that Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo has tested positive for COVID-19.
On Oct. 3, Juventus announced two of its staff members had also tested positive. As a result, all those involved with the club had gone into self-isolation.
Portugal had a pair of matches last week, drawing 0-0 with Spain in a friendly and earning the same score in Sunday's UEFA Nations League fixture with France. Ronaldo's positive test will rule him out of Wednesday's Nations League clash with Sweden.
Portugal said inTuesday's statement (h/t ESPN) that no other players had a positive test. Upon the conclusion of the Sweden fixture, Portugal won't be in action again until Nov. 11.
Under Italy's COVID-19 protocols, Ronaldo will have to isolate for 10 days. That will rule him out for Saturday's Serie A clash with Crotone and Juve's Champions League opener with Dynamo Kiev on Oct. 20.
He could be cleared to return Oct. 25 against Hellas Verona. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner might also be available when Juventus play Lionel Messi and Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League.
Cristiano Ronaldo will need to isolate after a positive COVID-19 test.
Italy's new quarantine rules require at least a 10-day isolation period.
Juventus have one win and one draw through their first two Serie A matches as they look to claim a 10th straight league title.
Juventus were scheduled to play Napoli on Oct. 4, but the latter cited local health recommendations anddeclined to make the tripto Allianz Stadium. Under league rules, Juve should be awarded a 3-0 victory, a result that isn't yet reflected in the Serie A table.
