Memorable moments: Ronaldo’s direct kick against Portsmouth ‘went down in history as one of the best

Cristiano Ronaldo and direct kicks used to be the perfect pairing. Later in his career, the Portuguese is not so successful in this discipline, but at the beginning of his career he was probably the most dangerous in the world.

Memorable Moments is a special project by Ruiku that recalls the most iconic moments that have happened in football. Today, we look back at Cristiano Ronaldo’s direct kick.

Let’s go back to 30 January 2008. On that day, Cristiano Ronaldo scored one of his best direct kicks, but also one of the most beautiful ones in football history.

Ronaldo’s goal came in Manchester United’s 2-0 win over Portsmouth. Harry Redknapp’s team was having a great season at the time, finishing ninth in the Premier League and winning seven of their 12 away games.

But they couldn’t count on a point from their trip to Old Trafford. The then Red Devils were so strong that they eventually won both the Premier League and the Champions League.

And it was all orchestrated by the unstoppable Cristiano, who also later won the Ballon d’Or. Already in the 10th minute against Portsmouth the Portuguese opened the scoring, but the highligt of the match came only a few minutes later.

A direct kick a few yards outside the whitewash was curled so perfectly by Ronaldo that it sailed several times in the air and went straight into the net. England’s helpless number one in goal, David James, just looked back.

If you still doubt that Ronaldo’s direct kick is the most iconic in Premier League history, wait for the back shot of the ball floating in the air.

James then let it be heard that “holy sh*t…” went through his head Ronaldo also won the award for the best Premier League player at the end of the season, this direct kick ranks among his career best.

Source: 90 min, Manchester United