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Cristiano Ronaldo's top 11 most memorable international moments

Published at :April 27, 2024 at 4:14 PM
Modified at :April 27, 2024 at 4:15 PM
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Novojyoti Bhattacharjee

The fans will always cherish the moments and memories Cristiano Ronaldo has given them

He has achieved many heights during his stunning Portugal stint where his incredible skills, goals and never-ending attitude mesmerised fans. Throughout his international career, he has accomplished many jaw-dropping moments, including the Euros and Nations League. 206 appearances for Portugal, he has scored 128 goals, making him the record goal scorer for international men’s football. 

Now, Let’s take a look at the Cristiano Ronaldo’s 11 most memorable international moments: 

11. Hattrick against Spain in World Cup 2018

While there were many speculations about how Portugal would deal with Spain in the World Cup opener, he silenced all the critics by scoring an impressive hat trick.

This earned him a hard-fought draw all by himself. A penalty kick was used for the first goal, while a left-footed strike from the edge of the box was used for the second. As the match neared its end, he scored a fantastic free kick in the top corner. This announced his presence on the world stage. 

10. One of the best offside goals against Spain

While playing in a friendly match against World Champions Spain in 2010, Ronaldo dribbled past the defenders and tipped the ball over Casillas into the empty net. This was a brilliant moment. As Nani nodded the ball into goal, he was in an offside position.

This made Cristiano furious, which resulted in one of the greatest goals in football history being deemed offside. 

9. Becoming Portugal’s captain at 22 years old

A 22-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo became the heir apparent to Luis Figo in 2006 when he was given the responsibility of leading his country. After many memorable performances for the team, he was earmarked as the country’s next big thing. The number 7 shirt, which Figo previously wore in 2006, was given to him as well. 

8. Wink in the 2006 World Cup against England

Rooney and Ronaldo, two of the best club football friends, faced off in the 2006 World Cup quarterfinals. As much as the score caught fans’ attention, it was Ronaldo’s role in sending off Rooney that did.

Despite the referee’s decision to let the situation go after Rooney fouled Carvalho, Ronaldo urged the referee to direct him to the stands. Later, he winked at the dugout to indicate his intention of sending him off. 

 7. Winning the UEFA Nations League

The inaugural UEFA Nations League saw Cristiano Ronaldo win his second major trophy as a Portugal player. He was in scintillating form as he scored an impressive hat trick in the semi-final and gave his side a place in the final. However, in the final, Guedes scored the winner against the Netherlands to win the inaugural Nations League. 

6. Becoming the first player to score in 5 different World Cup 

With a penalty strike against Ghana in the opening match, Cristiano Ronaldo became the first male player to score at five World Cups. He began it with a goal against Iran at the 2006 World Cup. During his time, he gave many glorious moments to the footballing world that will be remembered by its fans for a long time. With the veteran turning 39 this year, this World Cup is likely to be its last. 

5. First World Cup appearance

Ronaldo made his World Cup debut against Angola in the 2006 World Cup. However, it was against Iran that he made history as the youngest player to score for Portugal at the World Cup. 

4. Hattrick against Sweden in World Cup playoff

As two of the best players Ronaldo and Ibrahimovic battled it out, fans were excited about the match before it started. There was a lot of hype before the match about who would win. But Ronaldo had the final laugh as he scored a hat-trick to silence the crowd, securing Portugal’s place in the World Cup. 

3. First International goal

At 18, Cristiano replaced Figo for Portugal for the first time. His first goal for the national team came in the Euro 2004 opener against Greece. After falling 2-0 behind, he scored a consolation goal. The match was eventually lost, and the two later clashed again. 

2. Breaking Ali Daei’s international goal record

It is no secret that Cristiano Ronaldo can score crucial goals when the team needs them. The World Cup qualifier between Ireland and Portugal was a must-watch as Ireland took the lead before halftime. Eventually, Ronaldo broke Ali Daei’s record of all-time goalscorer in international football with two goals, one in extra time to seal the Portuguese victory deep in the final minutes of the game. 

1. Winning the 2016 Euros

Before the final, Cristiano Ronaldo scored three goals in the tournament. However, he was unfortunate to get injured in the final when Payet tackled him late. Even so, he continued to guide his team from the touchline until Eder scored the most crucial goal in the extra time. This was Ronaldo’s first international trophy for Portugal, and he will cherish it forever. 

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