Cristiano Ronaldo will be aiming for his third Ballon d’Or success later tonight…
Cristiano Ronaldo, so often the runner-up, wept with joy last year as he beat long-time rival Lionel Messi to win his second Ballon d’Or award. Tonight, the tables have turned as he returns as heavy favourite to claim a third success.
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It’s hard to argue with his incredible career, which is laid out in numbers across the pages below, as we look back at the eight records the Real Madrid star has smashed during both his time in the Spanish capital, and with former club Manchester United.
8) Portugal’s all-time top scorer
Despite never winning a trophy with his national side, Ronaldo has bagged 52 goals to comfortably ensure he top’s his nations ratings. With 118 caps already to his name, how much longer will he continue?
7) Premier League player of the season sweep
The 2007/08 season saw Ronaldo score 42 goals as he led his side to a Premier League and Champions League double. His performances that year saw him win his first World Player of the Year award, while he also picked up a clean sweep of all four of the PFA and FWA awards.
6) Most European Golden Shoe awards
Awarded to the player that has scored the most league goals across the top divisions in Europe during a season, it is an award Ronaldo has won three times, the same as Messi.
5) Scored against every La Liga side in one season
Ronaldo scored against all 19 opposition teams in La Liga inside 38 games in 2011/12, as Madrid cantered to the league title under Jose Mourinho.
4) Fastest player to reach 200 La Liga goals
In December Ronaldo surpassed 200 La Liga goals in just 178 games, with his overall total currently standing at 285 in 274 games.
3) Most goals scored in a Champions League season
Ronaldo might be behind Messi in the all-time scoring list in the Champions League, but his record of 17 which he netted last season on the way to victory will take some beating.
2) Most hat-tricks in La Liga
His hat-trick against Celta Vigo in December was Ronaldo’s 23rd treble in La Liga, as well as his sixth of the season.
1) Fastest player to score 20 league goals in a season
Ronaldo took just 11 league matches to reach 20 goals this season. Currently on 35 for the season in all competitions, despite having played only 30 games.
SEE ALSO: (Hot WAG Gallery) Best pictures of Cristiano Ronaldo girlfriend Irina Shayk.