Cristiano Ronaldo's Top 11 Most Memorable International Moments

Cristiano Ronaldo will always be someone who would have a full 90 minutes highlight reel of international highlights when he decides to hang up his boots eventually.

206 Appearances, 128 Goals and Counting. CR7 has been one of the most influential players in the history of Football, more so for the Portuguese national team on par with the likes of iconic legends such as Eusebio and Luis Figo, some might say even greater. But wherever your allegiance lie, one thing is undeniable that he has given is football fanatics many  famous moments that are cherished upon multiple generations by the Portuguese football loving public and neutrals alike.

So let's sit back, relax and rifle through the pages of international football and pick the 11 best moments given by Cristiano Ronaldo.

11. Hattrick against Spain in World Cup 2018

There was a lot of hype around this then awaited clash between these two footballing powerhouses. These are the type of fixtures where Ronaldo thrives and showcases us the best version of himself.

3-3 was the final score pine and our Portuguese maestro did all the scoring for Portugal by himself. He opened his account for that night via a penalty kick, while a left-footed strike from the edge of the box was responsible for the second. As the match was about to finish, he conjured up a  fantastic free kick into the top corner. This was one of the highlights not for him Individually,  but for the whole tournament itself. 

10. One of the best offside goals against Spain

Though it was only a friendly against Spain amidst the World Championship, the frustration clearly visible on his face is the result of one of the greatest international goals being denied. However Nani did manage to put the ball into he back of the net after a dreamy dribble from Ronaldo left the Spaniards deserted, the referee played the spoilsport adjudging it offside. 

This made Cristiano furious and  thus we now have this iconic picture alas at the expense of a goal that would have gone onto the greatest international goals list in another universe. 

9. Becoming Portugal’s captain at 22 years old

A 22-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo received the figurative baton from Luis Figo in 2006 when he was given the responsibility of donning the armband for his country. And since then he has also made the number 7 his own, which was also worn by Figo during the 2006 World Cup and is now an integral part of his brand.

8. Wink in the 2006 World Cup against England

While he himself has been on the receiving end of unlucky decisions, here during a 2006 clash vs England, he made matters for his then English version Rooney a lot worse rubbing it in his face after he sent off due. Ronaldo made sure he knew who was the mastermind and give him a wink during his send off which was Initially let go by the referee after Rooney initially fouled Carvalho.

 7. Winning the UEFA Nations League

Guides may have scored against the Oranje in the final to clinch the title, but this was Ronaldo's second major trophy with his country after the EUROS and his international trophy cabinet is now starting to look a little more glitzy. 

6. Becoming the first player to score in 5 different World Cup 

Their opening strike against Ghana in their opening match of the World Cup concluded in November 2022 meant that Cristiano Ronaldo bow holds the distinction of scoring. A mind boggling 5 World Cups and the rate at which he is going, it wouldn't be a surprise if he manages to do one better and make it six even though would be in his forties by then.

5. First World Cup appearance

Though everything he touches  almost turns to gold , his debut against Angola was a tepid affair in contrast but a very significant one for him. The whole footballing landscape in hindsight. However against Iran, he did manage to make history becoming the youngest goal scorer for Portugal in men's football at a World Cup.

4. Hattrick against Sweden in World Cup playoff

Portugal in 2014 was there only because Ronaldo decided to turnup in this crucial WC qualifier game against Sweden in 2013. Even though Zlatan Ibrahimovic did his bit to deny the Portuguese a spot at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, Cristiano had other ideas and engineered a comeback of epic proportions sealing a memorable victory for the Red and Greens a ensuring they booked their tickets for Rio.

3. First International goal

Even though he ended up on the losing side in a 2-1 loss to Greece, his first goal albeit it being a consolation was a sign of things to come and he went on to score many more goals on the International Stage for his national team. 

2. Breaking Ali Daei’s international goal record

A World Cup qualifier, this time against Ireland and Portugal was in a tough spot by half time. What better time to score than deep to Second half and the cherry on top being that this goal resulted him in surpassing the great Ali Daei. He is now the  record holder for most international goals with a nelson and still counting.

1. Winning the 2016 Euros

Ironically, his greatest international tournament moment  didn't even saw him play a single minute of that iconic final. Though he did his bit to get them there thanks to his 3 goals. But thanks to Payet, he was reduced to a glorified cheerleader on the bench but his presence in itself was a huge boost for the rest of the boys and Eder ensured that Ronaldo got the opportunity to live arguably the finest moment of his international career yet.

Cover Credits - UEFA.com