Real Madrid legend Cristiano Ronaldo was honored with a prestigious award by the Champions League for becoming its all-time leading goal scorer. The ceremony took place at UEFA's Champions League group phase draw in Monaco, where Ronaldo, now playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, was recognized for his remarkable achievement.
Ronaldo, a five-time UCL winner, first lifted the trophy with Manchester United in 2008 after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Chelsea in Moscow. His move to Real Madrid in 2009 saw him break the world transfer record, and he went on to secure his second Champions League title in 2014 under Carlo Ancelotti's management.
Subsequently, Ronaldo played a pivotal role in Real Madrid's historic three consecutive UCL triumphs from 2016 to 2018 under Zinedine Zidane. With a total of 140 goals, Ronaldo left Europe as the Champions League's all-time top scorer when he departed for Al-Nassr in early 2023.
During the award ceremony in Monaco, Ronaldo expressed his gratitude, stating, 'For me, it's a pleasure to be here. This award means a lot to me.' He emphasized the significance of the Champions League in football and shared his fond memories of the competition.
Reflecting on his favorite UCL victory, Ronaldo highlighted the emotional significance of his first win with Manchester United, where he scored in the final despite missing a penalty. Following the award presentation, Ronaldo joined Juventus legend Gigi Buffon on stage to assist with the official UCL 2024/2025 group phase draw.
The event showcased Ronaldo's enduring impact on European football and his legacy as one of the greatest goal scorers in Champions League history. As Ronaldo continues his career in Saudi Arabia, his remarkable achievements in the UCL remain a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication to the sport.
