Cristiano Ronaldo’s name is already written into just about every football record book there is.
More goals in Europe’s major leagues than anyone else in history. The first (and thus far only) man to score 100 goals in the Champions League. The Guinness World Record for most liked person on Facebook (true story).
However, with his two-goal, match winning performance in the 2017 Champions League final between Real Madrid and Juventus , the Portuguese superstar has just set a whole new set of landmarks.
Here’s a look at the variety of records the former
Manchester United man broke with his display in Cardiff…
1. Became the first man to score in three Champions League finals
After his goal for Man United in 2008’s showpiece and his strike in last year’s big game, CR7™ opening the scoring against Juve meant he had hit the back of the net in his third Champions League final.
Before you ask, Messi has scored in two (2009 and 2011).
2. Beat Lionel Messi to finish top scorer in this season’s Champions League
Before the game, Messi was the top scorer in the 2016/17 Champions League, with 11 goals to his name in this campaign.
Ronaldo was second on the list, with 10.
So, the Real Madrid man’s brace didn’t just go a long way to winning the trophy for his side – it saw him nick this season’s top goalscorer award off his rival/inspiration/nemesis.
3. He has now been top scorer in more Champions League campaigns than anyone else
Ronaldo had been tied with – yes, you guessed it – Lionel Messi on five season top scorer awards. After clinching this season’s title, he is now the only man to have finished top of the goalscoring list on six different occasions.
4. Scored the 600th goal of his career (for club and country combined) SIX HUNDRED!
5. Scored Real Madrid’s 500th goal
Oh, and while we’re at it, his opener saw Real Madrid become the first side to reach 500 Champions League goals.
6. Became only the 20th player in history to win four or more European Cups
A win in Cardiff gave Ronaldo his third European Cup with Real, to add to the one he won with Manchester United in 2008.
Only 19 other players can boast they have that many European Cup medals… and bear in mind 11 of them are Real Madrid players from the 1950s, when Los Blancos won five on the bounce.
7. Drew level with Raul on 144 Champions League appearances, putting him joint fourth on the all-time list
Ronnie is now behind only Ryan Giggs (151), Xavi (157) and Iker Casillas (168) on the all-time list of Champions League appearances.
No doubt he will already have 169 in his head…
