Legendary Soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo needs no introduction. The Portuguese superstar is easily one of the greatest players of all time, having enjoyed glittering spells at Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus among others. Naturally, the 38-year-old can boast of having a career laden with silverware, one that also included a FA Cup triumph.
Currently plying his trade in the Saudi Pro League with Al Nassr, Ronaldo’s name is synonymous with trophies. The forward has won a total of 32 major titles in his career, spread out across his spells at various teams. The daunting stat doesn’t even account for his innumerable individual honors, which would take the tally closer to 50.
His trophy haul includes 5 UEFA Champions League titles, 3 Premier League titles, 2 La Liga titles, 2 Serie A titles, and even a UEFA Euros medal from 2016. Most players can only dream of a career like this, and we’re yet to get into the trophies awarded to him for individual brilliance.
The Portugal International has won the coveted Ballon d’Or on 5 occasions, while also being crowned the FIFA Best Men’s Player twice.
(Source- The New York Times)
Now in the twilight of his career, Ronaldo can fondly look back upon his legacy, one title at a time. And when it comes to reminiscing, the forward will likely start with his very first major trophy – the FA Cup.
Ripe with heritage, the FA Cup is a truly special tournament, and it is certainly a wonderful starting point for any player’s trophy cabinet.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s FA Cup triumphs
The 38-year-old’s first, and only, FA Cup title came all the way back in 2004. Ronaldo won that year’s tournament while playing for Manchester United, it was also his very first season at Old Trafford. A far cry from the goalscoring machine we’re familiar with today, the Portuguese was still a budding talent at the time.
He had wowed English crowds with his untamed trickery and speed on the ball, but it would years for him to develop into the finished article.
Nevertheless, a young Ronaldo made sure to have his say on the FA Cup against Millwall, as he scored United’s opening goal on the day.
The forward headed Gary Neville’s cross into the back of the net during the 42nd minute of the game, giving his team the lead.
Cristiano Ronaldo with his first title for Man United, FA Cup Trophy 2004 📸❤️ pic.twitter.com/fBdwqPLFpl
— CristianoXtra (@CristianoXtra_) August 6, 2022
A couple of goals followed in the second half, confirming a 3-0 win for United, and securing Ronaldo’s first major title in the process.
Discussion about this post