2002
Sporting Senior League Debut Against Braga
Cristiano Ronaldo entered senior Portuguese league football with Sporting CP against Braga, taking the first step in a career that soon attracted leading European clubs.
Football player and manager history
Cristiano Ronaldo
Explore 25 football history records associated with Cristiano Ronaldo, arranged by year, month, day and event. Entries may concern different clubs or national teams during the person’s career.
Historical events
2002
Two First-League Goals Against Moreirense
Ronaldo scored twice for Sporting CP against Moreirense, showing the pace and attacking confidence that made him an exceptional teenage prospect.
2002 August 14th
Champions League Qualifying Debut
Makes his professional debut as a substitute for Sporting against Inter in a Champions League qualifier.
2002 August 14th
Sporting First-Team Debut
Makes his Sporting first-team debut against Inter in European qualifying.
2003
First Manchester United Goal Against Portsmouth
Ronaldo scored a direct free kick against Portsmouth, opening his Manchester United account during a 3-0 Premier League victory.
2003
Manchester United Debut Against Bolton
Ronaldo came off the bench against Bolton Wanderers and immediately unsettled defenders with his dribbling during a 4-0 home win.
2003 August 12th
Manchester United Transfer
Signs for Manchester United after impressing against the English club.
2003 August 12th
Move to English Football
Becomes the first Portuguese player to represent Manchester United.
2003 August 20th
First International Appearance
Begins an international career that produces unprecedented appearance records.
2003 August 20th
Portugal Senior Debut
Makes his senior Portugal debut in a friendly against Kazakhstan.
2004
Euro Semi-Final Header Against Netherlands
Ronaldo scored the opening goal against the Netherlands as Portugal won 2-1 and advanced to the European Championship final on home soil.
2004
First England Cup Final Goal Against Millwall
Ronaldo headed Manchester United in front against Millwall during the FA Cup final, helping his club claim the trophy with a 3-0 victory.
2004
First European Championship Goal Against Greece
Ronaldo headed a late goal against Greece in Portugal's opening Euro 2004 match, beginning his scoring record at major international tournaments.
2005
Manchester United League Goal Against Newcastle
Ronaldo scored against Newcastle United in a Premier League win as he continued developing from a young winger into a more reliable attacking contributor.
2006
First World Cup Goal Against Iran
Ronaldo converted a penalty against Iran during Portugal's 2-0 World Cup group-stage victory, registering his first goal at a men's World Cup.
2006
International Caps
Represents Portugal during the 2006 World Cup as the national team progresses to the semi-finals.
2006
League Cup Final Goal Against Wigan
Ronaldo scored Manchester United's second goal against Wigan Athletic as the team won the League Cup final 4-0.
2007
Championship Season With United's New Attack
Ronaldo played a central role in Manchester United reclaiming the Premier League title, combining wing play with a sharply increased goalscoring contribution.
2007
FA Cup Semi-Final Winning Goal Against Watford
Ronaldo opened the scoring against Watford as Manchester United won their FA Cup semi-final 4-1 to reach Wembley.
2007
PFA Players Player of the Year Recognition
Ronaldo received the PFA Players' Player of the Year award after an outstanding Manchester United season featuring pace, goals and increasingly assured decision-making.
2007 April 10th
First Champions League Goals
Scores twice against Roma after going more than thirty Champions League appearances without a goal.
2008
FIFA Club World Cup Final Winner for United
Ronaldo supplied the cross headed home by Wayne Rooney as Manchester United defeated LDU Quito to become FIFA Club World Cup champions.
2008
Forty-Two Goals Across All Club Competitions
Ronaldo finished the 2007-08 season with 42 Manchester United goals in all competitions, helping the club win both the Premier League and Champions League.
2008
Premier League Championship
Cristiano Ronaldo wins the 2007/08 Premier League championship with Manchester United and scores 31 league goals and claims the Golden Boot during an outstanding campaign.
2008
Golden Boot Premier League
Collects the Premier League leading-scorer distinction after scoring 31 goals for Manchester United. The award recognises a landmark campaign combining wide play and relentless finishing.
2008 May 21st
Champions League Victory
Wins the Champions League with Manchester United against Chelsea.
2008 May 21st
Champions League Winner
Cristiano Ronaldo headed United ahead during the first half before the match went to penalties in the 2008 UEFA Champions League final, helping Manchester United win the competition.
2008 May 21st
Manchester United European Title
Scores during the final before United prevail on penalties.
2008 May 21st
Ronaldo Champions League Final Header
Heads Manchester United into the lead against Chelsea before the match goes to penalties.
2008
Golden Boot UEFA Champions League
Finishes as the leading goalscorer in the UEFA Champions League with 8 goals for Manchester United. The campaign is particularly remembered for scoring on the way to Manchester United’s victory in Moscow.
2008 December 2nd
Ballon d'Or
Wins his first Ballon d'Or after an outstanding club season.
2008 December 2nd
World Player Recognition
Becomes the first Portuguese winner since Luis Figo.
2009
Champions League Free Kick Against Arsenal
Ronaldo struck an outstanding long-range free kick at the Emirates Stadium and later finished a counterattack as United reached the Champions League final.
2009
First Real Madrid Goal Against Deportivo
Ronaldo converted a penalty on his competitive Real Madrid debut against Deportivo La Coruña, beginning his record-breaking scoring career in Spain.
2009 July 6th
Real Madrid Presentation
Is presented as a Real Madrid player at the Bernabeu.
2009 July 6th
World Record Transfer
Completes a world-record transfer from Manchester United.
2010
First World Cup Goal Against North Korea
Ronaldo scored during Portugal's 7-0 victory over North Korea at the World Cup in South Africa, ending a lengthy international scoring drought.
2010
Four Goals Against Racing Santander
Ronaldo scored four times in a 6-1 victory over Racing Santander, illustrating how quickly he had become Real Madrid's principal scoring threat.
2011
Copa del Rey Final Extra-Time Header
Ronaldo rose to meet Ángel Di María's cross and headed the only goal of Real Madrid's Copa del Rey final victory over Barcelona.
2011
Hat-Trick Against Sevilla in Six-Two Victory
Ronaldo scored four goals against Sevilla during a 6-2 away league win, closing his record-setting first Pichichi season in devastating form.
2011
Golden Boot La Liga
Scores 40 goals for Real Madrid to claim the La Liga scoring honour. The achievement reflects surpassing the previous 38-game-era scoring standard.
2012
Late Clasico Winner at Camp Nou
Ronaldo raced onto Mesut Özil's pass and scored Real Madrid's winner at Barcelona, a pivotal result in their Spanish championship season.
2012
Portugal Euro Quarter-Final Header Against Czechia
Ronaldo headed the only goal against the Czech Republic, sending Portugal into the European Championship semi-finals.
2012
Spain Super Cup Deciding Goal
Ronaldo scored against Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabéu as Real Madrid won the Spanish Super Cup on away goals.
2013
Champions League Hat-Trick Against Galatasaray
Ronaldo scored three times as Real Madrid beat Galatasaray 6-1 away in the Champions League group stage.
2013
FIFA Ballon d'Or Return to Top Honour
Ronaldo won the 2013 FIFA Ballon d'Or after a prolific year with Real Madrid and a decisive World Cup qualifying performance for Portugal.
2013
World Cup Play-Off Hat-Trick Against Sweden
Ronaldo scored all three Portugal goals against Sweden in the second leg of their World Cup play-off, securing qualification for Brazil 2014.
2013
Golden Boot UEFA Champions League
Finishes as the leading goalscorer in the UEFA Champions League with 12 goals for Real Madrid. The campaign is particularly remembered for finishing as tournament top scorer despite Real Madrid’s semi-final exit.
2014
Champions League Semi-Final Double Against Bayern
Ronaldo scored twice as Real Madrid defeated Bayern Munich 4-0 away and reached the European final with an emphatic aggregate result.
2014
Copa del Rey Final Squad Absence Through Injury
Ronaldo missed Real Madrid's Copa del Rey final against Barcelona through injury, although he remained an influential scorer throughout the wider season.
2014
Golden Boot La Liga
Collects the La Liga leading-scorer distinction after scoring 31 goals for Real Madrid. The award recognises overcoming interruptions to still lead the league scoring charts.
2014 May 24th
Seventeen-Goal Champions League Season
Scores his seventeenth goal of the campaign, setting a single-season Champions League record.
2014
Golden Boot UEFA Champions League
Scores 17 goals for Real Madrid to claim the UEFA Champions League scoring honour. The achievement reflects setting a new single-season Champions League scoring record.
2014 August 12th
European Super Cup Brace
Scores both goals as Real Madrid defeat Sevilla 2-0 to win the European Super Cup.
2015
Champions League Hat-Trick Against Shakhtar
Ronaldo struck three times against Shakhtar Donetsk in a 4-0 Champions League group win, continuing his pursuit of European scoring records.
2015
Five Goals Against Espanyol in Away Victory
Ronaldo scored five goals during Real Madrid's 6-0 victory at Espanyol and moved past Raúl in the club's La Liga scoring totals.
2015
Five Goals Against Granada
Ronaldo scored five times during Real Madrid's 9-1 league victory over Granada, equalling the most goals he had scored in a senior club match.
2015
Golden Boot La Liga
Finishes as the leading goalscorer in the La Liga with 48 goals for Real Madrid. The campaign is particularly remembered for delivering one of the highest goal totals in league history.
2016
Club World Cup Final Hat-Trick Against Kashima
Ronaldo scored three goals, including two in extra time, as Real Madrid beat Kashima Antlers 4-2 in the Club World Cup final.
2016
Euro Semi-Final Header Against Wales
Ronaldo headed Portugal in front against Wales and helped create the second goal as his country advanced to the Euro 2016 final.
2016 May 28th
Champions League Final Winning Penalty
Converts the decisive penalty as Real Madrid win the shootout against Atletico.
2016
Golden Boot UEFA Champions League
Claims the UEFA Champions League top-scorer award with 16 goals while representing Real Madrid. The season is distinguished by leading the scoring table as Madrid defeated Atlético in the final.
2016 July 10th
European Championship Victory
Captains Portugal to its first European Championship title.
2016 July 10th
Portugal Captains Euro Winners
Supports teammates from the sideline after leaving the final injured.
2017
Champions League Quarter-Final Hat-Trick Against Bayern
Ronaldo scored a hat-trick against Bayern Munich in a dramatic extra-time victory that carried Real Madrid into the European semi-finals.
2017
Champions League Semi-Final Hat-Trick Against Atletico
Ronaldo scored all three goals in Real Madrid's 3-0 home win over Atlético Madrid, giving the holders a formidable first-leg advantage.
2017
Fifth Ballon d'Or Equals Leading Record
Ronaldo collected a fifth Ballon d'Or following another Champions League triumph and a Spanish title with Real Madrid.
2017 May 21st
La Liga Title-Decider Opening Goal
Scores the opening goal as Real Madrid beat Malaga and secure the Spanish league championship.
2017
Golden Boot UEFA Champions League
Leads the UEFA Champions League scoring standings with 12 goals for Real Madrid. His contribution stands out for his exceptional goals in knockout matches against leading European opposition.
2017 June 3rd
Ronaldo Champions League Final Brace
Scores twice against Juventus as Real Madrid retain the Champions League.
2017 December 16th
Club World Cup Final Winning Goal
Scores the only goal against Gremio as Real Madrid retain the Club World Cup.
2018
Champions League Goal Against Paris Saint-Germain
Ronaldo scored twice against Paris Saint-Germain in a 3-1 Champions League first-leg victory that helped launch Real Madrid toward another European title.
2018
First Juventus Goals Against Sassuolo
Ronaldo scored both Juventus goals in a 2-1 league win over Sassuolo, opening his scoring account for the Italian champions.
2018
Juventus Competitive Debut Against Chievo
Ronaldo made his Juventus debut in a 3-2 Serie A win over Chievo, beginning his Italian career after nine seasons at Real Madrid.
2018 April 3rd
Bicycle Kick Against Juventus
Scores an overhead kick during Real Madrid's quarter-final victory at Juventus.
2018
Golden Boot UEFA Champions League
Collects the UEFA Champions League leading-scorer distinction after scoring 15 goals for Real Madrid. The award recognises extending his scoring dominance during Madrid’s third successive title.
2018 June 15th
World Cup Hat-Trick Against Spain
Scores three goals in a 3-3 draw with Spain, including a late free-kick equalizer.
2019
Champions League Hat-Trick Reverses Atletico Tie
Ronaldo scored three goals against Atlético Madrid as Juventus overturned a first-leg deficit to advance in the Champions League.
2019
First Scudetto at Juventus
Finishes his first season at Juventus as an Italian champion, providing goals and experience as the club wins the 2018-19 Serie A title.
2019
Portugal Nations League Semi-Final Hat-Trick
Ronaldo scored three times against Switzerland to send Portugal into the inaugural UEFA Nations League final.
2019
Serie A Player of the Season Recognition
Ronaldo received Serie A's most valuable player distinction for his first campaign in Italy after contributing crucial goals to Juventus's championship season.
2019 June 9th
Inaugural Nations League Champion
Adds a second senior international trophy with Portugal.
2019 June 9th
Nations League Victory
Captains Portugal to victory in the first Nations League finals.
2020
Juventus Italian Championship Retained
Ronaldo scored prolifically during Juventus's successful defence of the Serie A title, supplying goals from penalties, open play and aerial situations.
2020
Two Goals in Juventus Title Win Against Lazio
Ronaldo scored twice against Lazio as Juventus strengthened their position at the top of Serie A during the 2019-20 title run.
2020 September 8th
One Hundred International Goals
Scores his one hundredth senior international goal against Sweden.
2020 September 8th
Portugal Scoring Milestone
Becomes the first European man reaching one hundred international goals.
2021
Champions League Late Winner Against Villarreal
Ronaldo scored in stoppage time against Villarreal to turn a difficult Champions League home match into a 2-1 Manchester United victory.
2021
International Scoring Record Against Ireland
Ronaldo scored two late headers against the Republic of Ireland to move beyond Ali Daei's men's international goals record.
2021
Portugal Euro Double Against Hungary
Ronaldo scored twice late against Hungary and became the leading goalscorer in the history of European Championship finals matches.
2021
Return to Manchester United Against Newcastle
Ronaldo scored twice on his second Manchester United debut as the home side defeated Newcastle United 4-1 at Old Trafford.
2022
First Player to Score at Five Men's World Cups
Ronaldo converted a penalty against Ghana and became the first male player to score at five separate FIFA World Cup tournaments.
2022
Hat-Trick Against Tottenham at Old Trafford
Ronaldo scored all three Manchester United goals in a 3-2 league victory over Tottenham, securing a dramatic win with a late header.
2022
Manchester United Contract Ends by Agreement
Ronaldo and Manchester United agreed to terminate his contract, ending his second spell at the club shortly before Portugal's World Cup campaign.
2022
Premier League Hat-Trick Against Norwich
Ronaldo scored three times against Norwich City, including a direct free kick, as United narrowly won a 3-2 Premier League match.
2023
Al Nassr Arrival
Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al Nassr from Manchester United in 2023 to compete in Saudi Arabia’s top division. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner became one of the first globally prominent European stars to enter the Saudi Pro League.
2023
Arab Club Champions Cup Final Double
Ronaldo scored twice against Al Hilal as ten-man Al Nassr claimed the Arab Club Champions Cup after extra time.
2023
Saudi Pro League Four Goals Against Al Wehda
Ronaldo scored all four goals in Al Nassr's 4-0 away win against Al Wehda, recording his first four-goal match in Saudi football.
2023 June 20th
International Appearance Record
Scores the winning goal during his record international appearance.
2023 June 20th
Two Hundred Portugal Caps
Makes his two hundredth senior appearance for Portugal against Iceland.
2024
Nine Hundredth Senior Career Goal
Ronaldo scored against Croatia in a UEFA Nations League fixture to reach 900 senior career goals for his clubs and Portugal.
2024
Portugal Sixth European Championship Campaign
Ronaldo appeared at Euro 2024, becoming the first man to take part in six European Championship final tournaments.
2024
Record Saudi League Thirty-Five Goal Season
Ronaldo completed the 2023-24 Saudi Pro League season with 35 goals, setting a new single-season competition scoring record at the time.
2025
Portugal Nations League Semi-Final Goal Against Germany
Ronaldo scored the winner against Germany as Portugal reached another UEFA Nations League final after a 2-1 semifinal victory.
2025
Second UEFA Nations League Title for Portugal
Ronaldo started Portugal's Nations League final against Spain and scored an equaliser before Portugal prevailed in the penalty shootout.