Cristiano Ronaldo: The five-time Ballon D’or winner is set to be honored for being the all-time top scorer in the UEFA Champions League in the draw ceremony on Thursday. (AP)
Cristiano Ronaldo: Five-time Ballon D’or winner, Cristiano Ronaldo is set to receive a special award at the UEFA Champions League draw ceremony on Thursday in Monaco. The 39-year-old Portuguese will be honored with the all-time top goalscorer award for Europe’s top club competition.
The former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus forward scored 140 goals from 183 appearances in the Champions League before he signed for Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr midway through the 2022/23 season.
“Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the brightest stars in the UEFA Champions League constellation. His extraordinary goal-scoring achievements seem destined to stand the test of time. His professionalism, work ethic, dedication, and ability to shine on the grandest stage are qualities that football players everywhere should aspire to emulate,” UEFA President Alexander Ceferin said.
During his 18-years featuring in the competition, Ronaldo finished as the top scorer in seven different seasons, from Manchester United’s 2007/08 campaign to Real Madrid’s triumph in 2017/18.
The Portuguese tasted silverware five times – four times with Real Madrid and once with Man United.
Ronaldo also holds the record for longest Champions League scoring streak, having struck in 11 successive matches from June 2017 to April 2018. Ronaldo has also scored an astounding eight Champions League hat-tricks.
He is also the leading goal scorer in men’s international football (130 goals, 212 appearances).
