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Published 09:40 IST, August 30th 2024

'I'm Sorry': Cristiano Ronaldo Jokingly Apologizes to Buffon for HISTORIC UCL Overhead Kick Goal

Cristiano Ronaldo humorously apologizes to Gianluigi Buffon for his legendary UCL overhead kick goal, showcasing sportsmanship and camaraderie.

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Cristiano Ronaldo apologises to Gianluigi Buffon
Cristiano Ronaldo apologises to Gianluigi Buffon | Image: AP

With UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin presenting the five-time Champions League champion with the Top Goal Scorer Award, Cristiano Ronaldo's legacy in the Champions League will live on always. With 140 goals in 183 games, Cristiano Ronaldo leads the competition in goals scored. He is also the competitor with the most assists, with 42,cementing his as the greatest ever to play in the biggest club football competition. In Monaco, Monte Carlo, during the Champions League 2024–25 league phase draw, UEFA paid tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo's legacy. 

Also Read: UEFA Champions League Draw: Real Madrid vs Liverpool & All The Top Matches To Be Excited About

Cristiano Ronaldo apologises to Gianluigi Buffon for 2018 overhead kick goal against Juventus in the UCL

In a light-hearted apology, Cristiano Ronaldo thanked Gianluigi Buffon for the historic overhead kick goal that was scored against him during the UEFA Champions League. Playing for Real Madrid against Juventus, the Portuguese attacker provided one of the most unforgettable goals in the tournament's history.

Real Madrid visited Juventus in Turin in the opening leg of the 2017-18 Champions League quarterfinals. Ronaldo scored twice—including the amazing overhead kick in the 64th minute—assisted by Dani Carvajal—and they won 3-0. Buffon, Juventus' keeper, could only see the ball pass him into the net. Watch the video below: 

Gianluigi Buffon:

“Cristiano told me 'I'm sorry' in the last match between Real Madrid and Juve.”

Cristiano Ronaldo:

“I have to respect him, he's a legend.”

UEFA gave Cristiano Ronaldo an exclusive award, which he gladly displayed during the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League draw. At the Monaco event, which was attended by several dignitaries and officials from European teams, the famed forward was the guest of honour.

The evening's high point was the unveiling of a revised draw system. Unlike the past league system, which substitutes the conventional group stage for teams now set to play eight matches instead of six.

Ronaldo also attracted notice when he was named the all-time Champions League top goalscorer with an award. His reputation in the sport is still unparalleled, even though he now plays for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia and no longer participates in Europe. Given the fact that he is 39 years old. He has always been a top performer in the competition. 

Cristiano Ronaldo's outstanding record of 140 goals in 183 UEFA Champions League matches seems almost perfect in spite of the new structure alterations. 

‘The MR. Champions League’ Cristiano Ronaldo has played for Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus in the UEFA Champions League. Over his career, he obtained the trophy five times: once with Manchester United in 2008 and four times with Real Madrid in 2014, 2016, 2017 and 2018.

Updated 09:40 IST, August 30th 2024