10 Best Cristiano Ronaldo Moments Ever

This boy knew far more than Nike could ever imagine.

FILE - In this Sept. 16, 2014 file photo, Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo reacts after missing a chance during a Champions League Group B soccer match against Basel at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain. Christopher Renzi, of Rhode Island,
Daniel Ochoa de Olza/AP

Discussing football these days requires every member of society to declare themselves as a Messi or a Ronaldo fan. Despite us being fortunate enough to live in an age where we have two of the most prolific talents ever to exist, we're still required to pick a side.

Democracy, eh?

As such, the Messi fans will always harp on about how the diminutive Argentine is completely unstoppable once the ball is firmly glued to his foot - something we can all admit - but when did you last see him power a header in from 18 yards above a 6"5' centre back? Never, that's when.

Cristiano Ronaldo is currently subject to a lot of media attention regarding his future, thanks to the media blurting out rumours of him wanting to leave Real Madrid due to tax avoidance accusations. Let's not focus on what could be, but rather take a look back on the Portuguese's glittering past, by looking over all the records he has broken and the achievements he has to his name.

What made the boy from Funchal quite so special in the first place?

10. His Manchester United Debut

FILE - In this Sept. 16, 2014 file photo, Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo reacts after missing a chance during a Champions League Group B soccer match against Basel at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain. Christopher Renzi, of Rhode Island,
Matthew Ashton/EMPICS Sport

As "one of the most exciting players" Sir Alex Ferguson had ever seen, Cristiano Ronaldo joined Manchester United with a lot of media hype surrounding him. No one can possibly imagine how difficult it must've been for the 18 year old to walk around his new home of Manchester without being mobbed by the press despite only costing £12.24 million.

Just four days after his transfer was sealed, Ronaldo found himself on the bench for Manchester United's game against Bolton Wanderers (16 August 2003). Sir Alex Ferguson hailed him as a brilliant player but couldn't justify his involvement from the kick off: just three days of training and the youngster's as-yet undeveloped English proved problematic.

Despite the language barrier and Ronaldo's relative lack of experience in the professional game, the Portuguese winger was introduced on 60 minutes for United stalwart Nicky Butt. Football changed forever.

A 30 minute cameo saw Ronaldo torture Bolton's right side, win a penalty, and create more chances than he should ever have been permitted. His shirt didn't fit properly, his hair was misguided, and he didn't seem to communicate all that well with his colleagues, but a legend was born that day - a legend that still goes on.

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Contributor

Probably the only person ever to see all the endings of the awful Shadow the Hedgehog video game. Professional proofreader, football fanatic, lion tamer and occasional liar.