Cristiano Ronaldo is a professional footballer, playing in the Premier League for Manchester United. He is one of the greatest footballers ever to play the game, and in the last stage of his career, he made a switch to his former club. The 37-year-old is still going strong and his mentality to be at the top is phenomenal. He made it clear that he did not come back just to enjoy but to win everything again. Over his illustrious career, it is noteworthy that he has emerged as possibly the greatest header of football. His leap is often compared to the greatest NBA players, and deservedly so. In this article, we will get to know more about his heading prowess.
Cristiano Ronaldo header vs Sampdoria:
Cristiano Ronaldo changed his gameplay in the last stages of his Real Madrid career. He mastered the role of a fox-in-the-box. And this is the time when his insane jumping ability helped him a lot. In the 2019-20 season, he was playing for Juventus against Sampdoria. Alex Sandro swung one high cross which in the first glace seen to be impossible to meet, but Ronaldo jumped a whopping 2.56 meters in the air, and scored an incredible header. This was possibly his greatest headed goal ever.
Spot jump vs Manchester United:
When Manchester United visited the Bernabeu stadium for a knock-out game in the Champions League, Ronaldo leaped almost over the shoulders of Patrice Evra to meet Angel Di Maria’s cross. He achieved a height of 2.95 meters with his sheer power in the spot jump.
1⃣0⃣ 2013: When Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo hung in the air to meet Ángel Di María's cross and direct a header past his former club 💪@Cristiano | @realmadriden | #UCL pic.twitter.com/MpVQcTX3Uc
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) March 24, 2021
Took Portugal to the Euro Final:
Portugal was playing against Wales in the semi-final of the 2016 Euro cup. Ronaldo rose very high to score from the corner. It was the goal that made sure Portugal qualify for the Final against France.
In his illustrious career, his insane leap is unmatched and he is still going strong with it. He is often compared with the NBA great Michael Jordan for his insane hang-time in the air as well.