Cristiano Ronaldo's Greatest Performances in Major Finals
Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the most decorated footballers of all time, having won numerous major trophies with both club and country. He has also been named the FIFA World Player of the Year and the Ballon d'Or on five occasions.
Ronaldo has scored some of the most iconic goals in football history, and he has a knack for rising to the occasion in big matches. He has scored in numerous major finals, including the Champions League, the European Championship, and the FIFA World Cup.
Here are some of Ronaldo's greatest performances in major finals:
2014 Champions League Final
Ronaldo scored the winning goal in Real Madrid's 4-1 victory over Atletico Madrid in the 2014 Champions League Final. It was his fourth goal in a Champions League final, and it helped Real Madrid win their 10th European Cup.
Ronaldo was a constant threat to the Atletico Madrid defense throughout the match. He scored the opening goal in the 10th minute, and he also set up the second goal for Gareth Bale. Ronaldo's performance was even more impressive considering that he was playing with a knee injury.
2016 European Championship Final
Ronaldo was named the MVP of the 2016 European Championship after leading Portugal to their first major international trophy. He scored three goals in the tournament, including the winning goal in the final against France.
Ronaldo was injured in the first half of the final, but he returned to score the winning goal in extra time. It was a remarkable moment for Ronaldo and for Portugal, and it cemented his status as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
2017 Champions League Final
Ronaldo scored two goals in Real Madrid's 4-1 victory over Juventus in the 2017 Champions League Final. It was his fifth goal in a Champions League final, and it helped Real Madrid win their 12th European Cup.
Ronaldo was in sensational form throughout the match. He scored the opening goal in the 20th minute, and he also set up the second goal for Karim Benzema. Ronaldo's performance was even more impressive considering that he was playing with a hamstring injury.
2018 Champions League Final
Ronaldo scored the winning goal in Real Madrid's 3-1 victory over Liverpool in the 2018 Champions League Final. It was his sixth goal in a Champions League final, and it helped Real Madrid win their 13th European Cup.
Ronaldo was Real Madrid's most dangerous player throughout the match. He scored the opening goal in the 51st minute, and he also set up the second goal for Gareth Bale. Ronaldo's performance was even more impressive considering that he was playing with a shoulder injury.
2021 Copa America Final
Ronaldo was named the MVP of the 2021 Copa America after leading Argentina to their first major international trophy in 28 years. He scored four goals in the tournament, including the winning goal in the final against Brazil.
Ronaldo was in sensational form throughout the tournament. He scored the opening goal in the final, and he also set up the second goal for Angel Di Maria. Ronaldo's performance was even more impressive considering that he was playing with a knee injury.
Conclusion
Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the greatest footballers of all time, and his performances in major finals are a testament to his skill, determination, and winning mentality. He has scored some of the most iconic goals in football history, and he has always been a big-game player.