Ronaldo receives UEFA award for all-time UCL top scorer
Could CR7 play in UCL again?
SHAH ALAM - Cristiano Ronaldo, the legendary Portuguese forward has been honoured with a special UEFA award for becoming the all-time top scorer in the Champions League (UCL).
The award, presented by UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin, recognised Ronaldo's remarkable achievement of scoring 140 goals in 183 matches.
Delighted with the recognition, Ronaldo took to social media to express his gratitude.
"Honoured to receive this award from Champions League for being the all-time top scorer of the competition. Grateful for all the support along the way! Thank you!" he wrote.
Reflecting on his UCL journey, Ronaldo could not help but reminisce about his most cherished moments.
"For me, it is a pleasure to be here. This award means a lot to me. The Champions League is the highest in football, the records speak for themselves, but to play in that competition is special," he said after receiving the award.
When asked about his most memorable UCL victory, the Portuguese national team captain highlighted his first triumph with Manchester United as particularly special.
"The most special? You always say the first, 2008. I scored but also missed a penalty,” he said.
Ronaldo also acknowledged the significance of his four titles with Real Madrid, calling them ‘unbelievable.’
Even though he is now dazzling fans in Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr, Ronaldo, often hailed as ‘Mr Champions League’ for his dominance in the competition, hinted that he has not entirely ruled out a potential return to the UCL.
"Maybe I will play in the Champions League again, one day, you never know," he teased, leaving fans to wonder if there is another chapter to be written in his storied UCL career.
Ronaldo's relationship with UCL is nothing short of legendary.
Beyond his record-breaking goal tally, he leads the competition in assists with 42, holds the most appearances with 183 and has the most wins with 155.
He set a single-season record by scoring 17 goals in the 2013-2014 campaign, which also marked his first UCL triumph with Real Madrid, securing the elusive 'La Decima.'
Ronaldo has finished as the top scorer in seven different UCL campaigns, more than any other player, and leads the hat-trick count with eight. These accolades, among many others, solidify his status as the greatest player in the competition's history.
While Argentina's Lionel Messi trails behind with 129 goals, and Robert Lewandowski sits at 94, Ronaldo's legacy in the Champions League remains unmatched.
With five UCL titles to his name, one with Manchester United and four with Real Madrid, his memories are indeed golden. And who knows? Perhaps the future holds even more for this footballing icon.
