From jaw-dropping free kicks to record-breaking feats at the age of 40, Cristiano Ronaldo has given football fans moments they’ll never forget. In this article, BraeckBall will walk you through 8 times Cristiano Ronaldo impressed the world, showing why CR7 still remains one of the greatest.
1. Hat-trick vs Spain in 2018 World Cup: Free kick to save the day
One of his most iconic displays. Against Spain in the 2018 World Cup, Ronaldo scored a hat-trick, including an 88th-minute free kick to make it 3-3. That goal was more than just a spectacular strike—it summed up his clutch personality. When the world watches, he steps up. This moment has since become a staple of his legacy for delivering under pressure.
2. 900th career goal milestone
On 5 September 2024, Ronaldo reached an extraordinary landmark: 900 official career goals, combining club and international goals. He scored it in a UEFA Nations League match against Croatia. The sheer volume, consistency, and longevity required for that achievement impressed even his harshest critics. uters.com)
3. Nations League 2025: Oldest player to score in final & golden boot in League A
In the 2024-25 UEFA Nations League, Ronaldo continued rewriting history:
- At 40 years and 123 days, he became the oldestyer ever to score in a major international final, scoring for Portugal in the final vs Spain.
- He also won the golden boot of League A with 8 goals in 9 matches—the most in a single edition at that level.
4. Semi-final heroics vs Germany
Also in Nations League 2025, his strike vs Germany in the semi-final was decisive: Portugal came from behind to win 2-1, with Ronaldo scoring the winner. It marked his first ever international win over Germany—despite years of facing them. His leadership and timing showed that his hunger hasn’t waned.
5. Becoming all-time top scorer for Portugal
Over his international career, Ronaldo has broken the record for most goals scored for the Portuguese national team, overtaking long-standing records. Every goal adds up, every match matters. For fans of national team stats, that’s one that cements his legendary status.
6. Champions League dominance
Throughout his peak years, Ronaldo impressed the world repeatedly with his Champions League performances: winning multiple titles, scoring in finals, knockout rounds, setting goal scoring records. Though some of these moments are older, they shaped expectations for what Champions League greatness even means.
7. Winning the European Championship in 2016
Portugal’s triumph at Euro 2016 is a moment Ronaldo impressed not just with individual skill, but with leadership. He was injured in the final but his presence, inspiration, and performance throughout the tournament played a huge part in his country winning the championship for the first time. That blend of grit, sacrifice, and talent moved fans worldwide.
8. The bicycle kick vs Juventus in 2018
One of those goals that keep replaying in highlight reels: Cristiano’s overhead kick against Juventus in the Champions League. Athletic, technical, audacious. The kind of goal that makes defenders and goalkeepers gasp, and neutrals stand up in admiration. It wasn’t just about scoring—it was about beauty, timing, and pure showmanship.
Conclusion
8 times Cristiano Ronaldo impressed the world show us more than skill; they show his resilience, his ability to deliver under pressure, and to defy age., from breaking scoring records to leading by example—CR7 continues to write new chapters even as he ages.
BraeckBall invites you to relive these moments, share your favorite Ronaldo memories, and stay tuned—for the legend is still making history. What moment of Ronaldo’s career surprised you the most? Let us know in the comments or follow BraeckBall for more stats, stories, and deep dives!
