Serie A

CRISTIANO RONALDO and Zlatan Ibrahomivic have been two of the defining players of the last two decades.
The pair are still going strong deep into their 30s, and remain two of Serie A’s most important players.

Zlatan and Cristiano have both had storied careers

Serie A is being robbed of one of its blockbuster match-ups by Zlatan’s injuryCredit: AFP

Ibrahimovic, 39, has had a stunning impact since returning to San Siro, and began this season with ten goals in just six appearances.
Unfortunately, the Swede has a thigh injury and won’t be able to face off with Ronaldo when his side host Juventus on Wednesday night.
But the 6ft 5in frontman will be cheering his team on from the sidelines, as they aim to move 13 points ahead of their title rivals.
Like Zlatan, CR7 also boasts a record of more than a goal a game in Serie A this term, having netted 14 in 11.

And the 35-year-old also betters Zlatan’s stunning goalscoring record across his illustrious career.
Ronaldo has managed 758 goals in 1033 appearances for club and country, while Ibrahimovic has bagged 540 in 887.
The Milan star actually edges his counterpart on trophies, however.
While Ronaldo has often found himself the man for the clutch moments across his career, a certain Lionel Messi tended to thwart him in the LaLiga title race – with the Portuguese having managed only two triumphs in nine seasons with Real Madrid.

CR7 is having yet another prolific seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Ibrahimovic has had a transformational impact at AC MilanCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Overall, CR7 has obtained 30 trophies, while Ibrahimovic has amassed 31 – although never the Champions League.
Ronaldo is not just an icon on the pitch, having gathered an eyewatering 251million Instagram followers – more than all 20 Premier League teams combined.
Zlatan himself has a not too shabby 46m, more than Manchester United, but not a match for Ronaldo.
In terms of individual honours, Juve’s No7 also dominates.
Ronaldo has won five Ballons D’or – only bettered by Messi’s six, while Ibrahimovic’s best finish was fourth back in 2013.
Both have won the prestigious Puskas Award.
Ronaldo earned his in 2009 for his 40-yard rocket for Man United against Porto, while Zlatan’s came for that outrageous overhead kick scored against England for Sweden.
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Cristiano Ronaldo reveals he finds it boring playing in empty stadiums and misses when fans boo him More

CRISTIANO RONALDO passed Pele to become the second-highest goalscorer EVER with his double against Udinese.
The Juventus forward, 35, scored twice in the 4-1 win to keep the pressure on the top four in Serie A.

Cristiano Ronaldo has scored one more career goal than Pele

Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 757th and 758th official goals of his staggering careerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

But on a personal level, the goals ensured he pipped Pele in the all-time list.
Pele managed a staggering record of 757 official goals during his stellar career between 1956 and 1977 for Santos, New York Cosmos and Brazil.
Ronaldo, though, hit goals No 757 and 758 to equal and then move past Pele.
The first came when he collected the ball on the left, drove into the box and unleashed a drive into the far corner, giving the goalkeeper no chance.

He added his second – and Juve’s third – with a left-footed finish when through one on one.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner also got the assist for Federico Chiesa with a sublime pass to make it 2-0 at the Allianz Stadium before Paulo Dybala wrapped up the scoring.
And he is now just one goal behind Josef Bican’s incredible tally of 759 from 1931 to 1955 – so will be looking to move clear as the ultimate No1 with games against AC Milan and Sassuolo in the next week.
More than half of Ronaldo’s strikes came during his nine years at the Bernabeu.

The strikes took him initially level and then past Pele’s tally as Ronaldo moved second in the all-time listCredit: Getty – Contributor

Cristiano Ronaldo with a great opener for Juve! 👏It’s still nearly impossible to stop him when he runs at a defence and gets a sight of goal like that 🔥 pic.twitter.com/U8f30Za0Gk
— Premier Sports 📺 (@PremierSportsTV) January 3, 2021

The rest have been for Sporting Lisbon, Manchester United, Juventus and 102 on the international stage for Portugal.
The new landmark comes just weeks after Lionel Messi broke Pele’s record tally for the most goals with one club.
Pele managed 643 Santos goals but Messi overtook that when he found the net for the 644th time in a Barcelona shirt just before Christmas.
Santos, however, released an astonishing statement to deny their hero’s tally was actually surpassed.

Ronaldo opened the scoring with a fine strike which left the Udinese back line helplessCredit: AP:Associated Press

He made no mistake with his left foot to tuck home his second and Juve’s third on the nightCredit: AFP or licensors

The goals – as well as his assist for Federico Chiesa – ensured Juventus ran out comfortable winnersCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Ronaldo and Messi are both named in the Ballon d’Or all-time best XI

Cristiano Ronaldo reveals he finds it boring playing in empty stadiums and misses when fans boo him More

CRISTIANO RONALDO passed Pele to become the second-highest goalscorer EVER with his double against Udinese.
The Juventus forward, 35, scored twice in the 4-1 win to keep the pressure on the top four in Serie A.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 757th and 758th official goals of his staggering careerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

The strikes took him initially level and then past Pele’s tally as Ronaldo moved second in the all-time listCredit: Getty – Contributor

But on a personal level, the goals ensured he pipped Pele in the all-time list.
Pele managed a staggering record of 757 official goals during his stellar career between 1956 and 1977 for Santos, New York Cosmos and Brazil.
Ronaldo, though, hit goals No 757 and 758 to equal and then move past Pele.
The first came when he collected the ball on the left, drove into the box and unleashed a drive into the far corner, giving the goalkeeper no chance.

He added his second – and Juve’s third – with a left-footed finish when through one on one.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner also got the assist for Federico Chiesa with a sublime pass to make it 2-0 at the Allianz Stadium before Paulo Dybala wrapped up the scoring.
And he is now just one goal behind Josef Bican’s incredible tally of 759 from 1931 to 1955 – so will be looking to move clear as the ultimate No1 with games against AC Milan and Sassuolo in the next week.
More than half of Ronaldo’s strikes came during his nine years at the Bernabeu.

Cristiano Ronaldo with a great opener for Juve! 👏It’s still nearly impossible to stop him when he runs at a defence and gets a sight of goal like that 🔥 pic.twitter.com/U8f30Za0Gk
— Premier Sports 📺 (@PremierSportsTV) January 3, 2021

The rest have been for Sporting Lisbon, Manchester United, Juventus and 102 on the international stage for Portugal.
The new landmark comes just weeks after Lionel Messi broke Pele’s record tally for the most goals with one club.
Pele managed 643 Santos goals but Messi overtook that when he found the net for the 644th time in a Barcelona shirt just before Christmas.
Santos, however, released an astonishing statement to deny their hero’s tally was actually surpassed.

Ronaldo opened the scoring with a fine strike which left the Udinese back line helplessCredit: AP:Associated Press

He made no mistake with his left foot to tuck home his second and Juve’s third on the nightCredit: AFP or licensors

The goals – as well as his assist for Federico Chiesa – ensured Juventus ran out comfortable winnersCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Ronaldo and Messi are both named in the Ballon d’Or all-time best XI

Cristiano Ronaldo reveals he finds it boring playing in empty stadiums and misses when fans boo him More

CRISTIANO RONALDO has delighted fans by showing off his low-key New Year celebrations with Georgina Rodriguez.
The Juventus superstar and his stunning other-half are set to welcome 2021 with their four children and dozens of gold balloons.

Cristiano Ronaldo has shown off his NYE celebrations

Ronaldo and Georgina recently celebrated at an awards ceremony in Dubai

The power couple were on fine form at the red carpet bash

The 35-year-old shared the family snap to Instagram with the caption: “2020 was not an easy year, there’s no doubt about it.
“No one can be indifferent to the pain and suffering that COVID-19 brought upon the world.
“But now it’s time to bounce back and show that, together, we can make a difference.
“Because no matter how hard is the fall, what really defines us is the way we get back on our feet and how fast we are ready to face new obstacles.

“So let’s try to turn 2021 into a turning point, a new beginning, a fresh start. Because all us – and I do mean all of us – can still become better versions of ourselves. And if we do it all together, that might actually be the secret to turn things around for the better.
“Happy New Year! And may 2021 be a year to always remember for the best reasons!”
The post was quick to hit a million likes, with one replying: “Happy New Years to you and your family.”
Another said: “Proud of you my friend! Inspiration”, while a third added: “Happy new year king!”

Ronaldo has cause to celebrate after he was named Player of the Century at a glamorous awards ceremony in Dubai.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner claimed he plans to play for ‘many more years’ and dreams of winning the World Cup with Portugal.
Yet it was partner Georgina who stole the show at the ceremony at the iconic Burj Khalifa while wearing a sparkly red dress.

Cristiano Ronaldo reveals he finds it boring playing in empty stadiums and misses when fans boo him More

JUVENTUS will reportedly sell Manchester United target Paulo Dybala this summer if he does not agree a new contract.
The Mail claims Turin chiefs will cash in on the Argentine forward, 27, if he refuses to extend his current deal past its 2022 expiry date.

Man Utd target Paulo Dybala will be sold by Juventus if he does not agree a new deal by the summerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Dybala, who has scored just once this season, has found himself unable to command a regular starting role under new boss Andrea Pirlo.
And after catching coronavirus earlier this year, reports suggest Dybala could be on his way out.
Manchester United have been linked with a stunning swap deal including Paul Pogba.
And Paris Saint-Germain are also thought to be keen after making Mauricio Pochettino their new boss.

Juventus’ fierce rivals Napoli have even been tipped to make an audacious approach for Dybala.
But the Turin giants are currently preparing a new contract offer for their talisman, who is in his sixth season with the club after joining for £36million from Palermo in 2015.
However, should Dybala turn down the new offer, Juventus will look to move him on rather than lose him for free a year later.
Despite his poor form this season, former England and Juventus boss Fabio Capello reckons Dybala remains one of the best around.

And the only player he would swap the ace for is Spurs star Harry Kane.
Capello told Gazzetta: “I said I wouldn’t swap Dybala to get Pogba. If I could, I’d trade him with Tottenham’s English striker Harry Kane.
“[Poor form?] Covid is the explanation, especially for a player like Dybala, who needs to dribble [past] a man.
“The impression is that he’s a bit unfinished. He captivates but leaves doubts. He certainly has superior qualities, he really has all you need.
“He needs the physical conditions to return to his best. Paulo needs to be 100 per cent well, because if you are well physically, the head leads you to face the opponents, the team-mates, the coach and even the club.
“Dybala can do everything on the pitch if he is well, even playing in a trident with Alvaro Morata and Cristiano Ronaldo.”
⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

Very excited Solskjaer confirms Amad Diallo should be with them very soon More

CRISTIANO RONALDO has delighted fans by showing off his low-key New Year celebrations with Georgina Rodriguez.
The Juventus superstar and his stunning other-half are set to welcome 2021 with their four children and dozens of gold balloons.

Cristiano Ronaldo has shown off his NYE celebrations

Ronaldo and Georgina recently celebrated at an awards ceremony in Dubai

The power couple were on fine form at the red carpet bash

The 35-year-old shared the family snap to Instagram with the caption: “2020 was not an easy year, there’s no doubt about it.
“No one can be indifferent to the pain and suffering that COVID-19 brought upon the world.
“But now it’s time to bounce back and show that, together, we can make a difference.
“Because no matter how hard is the fall, what really defines us is the way we get back on our feet and how fast we are ready to face new obstacles.

“So let’s try to turn 2021 into a turning point, a new beginning, a fresh start. Because all us – and I do mean all of us – can still become better versions of ourselves. And if we do it all together, that might actually be the secret to turn things around for the better.
“Happy New Year! And may 2021 be a year to always remember for the best reasons!”
The post was quick to hit a million likes, with one replying: “Happy New Years to you and your family.”
Another said: “Proud of you my friend! Inspiration”, while a third added: “Happy new year king!”

Ronaldo has cause to celebrate after he was named Player of the Century at a glamorous awards ceremony in Dubai.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner claimed he plans to play for ‘many more years’ and dreams of winning the World Cup with Portugal.
Yet it was partner Georgina who stole the show at the ceremony at the iconic Burj Khalifa while wearing a sparkly red dress.

Cristiano Ronaldo reveals he finds it boring playing in empty stadiums and misses when fans boo him More