When did Cristiano Ronaldo last score a free-kick? Manchester United star struggling with set-pieces
- Sean Fisher
- 24 February 2022
Cristiano Ronaldo may have scored 55 free-kicks throughout his career, but is it time the Portuguese forward hands over set-pieces to someone else?
During his rise to becoming one of the best players in the world, a lot of the praise given to Cristiano Ronaldo was down to his ability to score in a multitude of ways.
However, while his famed free-kick technique previously instilled fear in goalkeepers, they probably sigh in relief when Ronaldo steps up nowadays.
That's because the Manchester United star has scored just one free-kick since 2017. Yes - one in the last five years.
When did Ronaldo last score a free-kick?
Ronaldo's last set-piece success came during his time in Juventus, when he rifled home a free-kick against The Old Lady's rivals Torino.
Despite taking five free-kicks for United since his return, Ronaldo is yet to add to his tally in the famed red jersey.
Setting the tone at Old Trafford
His 'knuckleball' technique has inspired a new generation of footballers to emulate his style, with the swerving and unpredictable pattern of the ball making it hard for goalkeepers to anticipate.
It was a technique that saw Ronaldo score a remarkable 14 free-kicks for Manchester United during his six year spell (2003-2009).
Hitting his prime at the Bernabeu
Ronaldo was in his prime at Real Madrid, and his free-kick stats echo that statement.
He followed it up with a further five in the following season, and ended his time at Real Madrid in 2018 having netted 32 free-kicks. But as each season passed, Ronaldo became less and less successful from dead ball situations.
Season-by-season comparison at Real Madrid:
His last free-kick in the colours of Real Madrid came in 2017 during the Club World Cup final, where his goal ended up being the winner.
Torrid in Turin
Having only scored one free-kick in his final season in Madrid, Ronaldo's free-kick wizardry was already beginning to fade, and the Portuguese striker continued to struggle in Italy.
It took Ronaldo a staggering 43 attempts to finally score a free-kick for Juventus, while teammate Miralem Pjanic - who has scored 22 free-kicks throughout his career - agonisingly watched on.
Time for a new set-piece taker at Manchester United?
It now seems as though Ronaldo's reputation when standing over a free-kick has flipped entirely, with most now expecting the ball to strike the wall or soar into the stands more times than it hits the target.
Ronaldo has shared the responsibility with fellow Portuguese playmaker Bruno Fernandes since arriving back at Old Trafford. But with Manchester United yet to score from a free-kick this season, is it time for a new set-piece specialist?
