Ronaldo sets new Champions League appearance record
Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo has become the outright record holder for the most appearances by a player in the UEFA Champions League.
Having lined up in the starting XI to face Villarreal in our group stage clash at Old Trafford, our No.7 moved on to 178 appearances in the competition.
It means he is now one clear of Iker Casillas, who was the previous all-time record holder, having drawn level with the Spaniard after playing against BSC Young Boys earlier in the competition.
The Portuguese was already the record holder for having appeared in the most finals, with six across his time at both the Reds and Real Madrid, but is also now equal with Casillas’ record number of group stage appearances with 95.
In addition, Cristiano also made his 900th appearance in club football against tonight’s Spanish opposition, having scored 679 goals during that time - including our 95th minute winner against The Yellow Submarine.
Ronaldo made his debut in the competition proper in 2003 at the age of 18 years and 238 days, lining up against Stuttgart under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Since then he has also notched up more goals in the tournament than any other player, with 136 (and counting!) during his time at United, Real Madrid and Juventus.
Congratulations on the achievement Cristiano!