Abhay Singh
In an impressive display of skill and precision, Cristiano Ronaldo achieved a remarkable milestone by netting his 900th career goal during Portugal’s thrilling Nations League encounter against Croatia at the Estadio da Luz.
The star forward showcased his trademark agility and composure in the 34th minute when he expertly connected with a perfectly placed cross from Nuno Mendes, effortlessly converting it into a goal with a well-executed tap-in volley.
As the ball hit the back of the net, Ronaldo’s emotions overflowed, his expression a mix of joy, accomplishment, and dedication to his craft, marking yet another extraordinary achievement in his illustrious career.
He has scored goals of all sorts
Ronaldo’s right foot is a formidable force, having scored 574 goals between the first against Moreirense and the 900th against Croatia.
However, he specializes with his left foot, having scored 173 goals. Lionel Messi, his competitor, has only scored 104 goals with his weaker leg (right foot). Ronaldo’s aerial ability is excellent, with 151 goals.
Ronaldo without right foot has allowed him to score more career goals (326), including one off the thigh and another from the elbow, than many other strikers.
For example, Thierry Henry scored 15 more goals using his feet, head, and body than Ronaldo did without his strongest foot.
Ronaldo has scored numerous goals, including volleys, back-heels, tap-ins, slide-ons, and pile-drivers, from under the goalkeeper’s nose to 42 yards. He has transformed from a nippy winger to a callous poacher, with 605 of his goals coming from inside the box.
However, he also whipped from a distance, with 131 strikes, 63 of which were free-kicks, coming from outside the box. Ronaldo’s impressive number of goals from outside the box is impressive.
An event in itself
Ronaldo excelled in dead-ball drills, including the knuckleball, from the instep, and the knuckleball, delivering the shot from the inevitable Ronaldo pose. His ability to strike the ball on a specific spot, resulting in dips and swerves, made it difficult for goalkeepers to judge.
He combined perfection, power, swerve, and audacity, making Ronaldo free-kicks one of football’s original spectacles and an event in itself.
Ronaldo claims that the historic 1000th goal is within his reach. There is no valid reason why he couldn’t. His conditioning would embarrass younger players, he seldom suffers injuries (missing only 82 games in his whole career), and he is never short of motivation.
Few can match his longevity—he is the only surviving member of Euro 2004; his most recent assist giver, Nuno Mendes, was only four months old when Ronaldo scored his first competitive goal. The average rate of his scoring indicates that he could reach the 1,000 peak in two years. But Pele’s FIFA-approved figure of 1281—which is still being debated—is beyond him.
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