Memorable moments: how Ronaldo broke records by jumping to incredible heights

It’s been ten years since Cristiano Ronaldo made history as football’s best jumper. In the Champions League eighth-final against Manchester United, he climbed 2.93 metres and hung his head.

Ronaldo is known for breaking records, there aren’t many he hasn’t broken during his career. Some may be broken, but for others it’s hard to imagine.

Like the highest football jump in history. In February 2023, in the Champions League eighth-final against his former club, Ronaldo pounced on Ángel di María’s centre and hung on.

At first glance, the goal was already special, but even more so when the goal was dissected in detail. Ronaldo jumped to a height of 2.93 metres, something no footballer has ever managed.

Moreover, this jump is bigger than the average NBA basketball player. It’s incredible how high the Portuguese is able to climb, stay there and still accurately hang.

Ronaldo was supposed to be guarded by former teammate and great friend from Manchester Patrice Evra, but the United captain absolutely had no claim. Ronaldo had his knees at the height of the French defender’s head, resulting in the legendary photo.

Sir Alex Ferguson, the Red Devils’ coach at the time, added his commentary. He is famous for his “fiefs” after bad games and Evra heard his own. But the Scottish coach took his words back afterwards.

“After the game I blamed Evra for not jumping up with Cristiano. Then I saw the footage. I thought: ‘What the hell was I talking about?’ I felt a bit stupid because the footage showed that Cristiano’s knee was at the height of Patrice’s head. Phenomenal,” Ferguson praised his former charge.

Source: Twitter, UEFA