Ronaldo to be honoured on Thursday
Cristiano Ronaldo is to receive an award for being the all-time top scorer in the Champions League at the UEFA draw ceremony on Thursday.
The Portugal striker, who enjoyed two separate spells with Manchester United, scored 22 of his 140 goals in the competition for the Reds.
One of these came in the 2008 final against Chelsea, as his header put Sir Alex Ferguson's side in front, before Frank Lampard equalised. Of course, we won the penalty shootout following the 1-1 draw in Moscow.
In addition to lifting the trophy that year, Ronaldo won it four times with Real Madrid.
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin is presenting the Al-Nassr star with the award, in recognition of his extraordinary efforts over the years.
It will take place during the ceremony at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco that features the first 36-team draw for the league phase of the competition, with the Europa League version due to be held on Friday, as United wait to see which teams we will play in that new-look tournament.
"Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the brightest stars in the UEFA Champions League constellation," Ceferin said. "His extraordinary goalscoring achievements in the competition seem destined to stand the test of time, posing a remarkable challenge for future generations to surpass.
"His sustained excellence at the highest level is a testament to his relentless pursuit of both team and individual honours. Over more than two decades, he has continuously evolved and refined his game, while preserving a youthful passion for scoring and celebrating goals.
"His professionalism, work ethic, dedication and ability to shine on the grandest stage are qualities that football players everywhere should aspire to emulate."
Lionel Messi is in second spot on the scoring chart, with 129 goals, and current Barcelona forward Robert Lewandowski sits third on 94.
In terms of United's top marksmen in the European Cup and Champions League, our new first-team coach, Ruud van Nistelrooy, leads the way with an impressive 38 in 47 games.
Wayne Rooney, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes are next in the standings, with Ronaldo in fifth spot.
The 39-year-old scored a free-kick against Al-Feiha in the Saudi Pro League on Wednesday, the 899th goal of his incredible career.
Congratulations, Cristiano!
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE TOP SCORERS
1. Cristiano Ronaldo - 141
2. Lionel Messi - 129
3. Robert Lewandowski - 94
4. Karim Benzema - 90
5. Raul - 71
6. Ruud van Nistelrooy - 60
UNITED'S TOP CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SCORERS
1. Ruud van Nistelrooy - 38
2. Wayne Rooney - 34
3. Ryan Giggs - 29
4. Paul Scholes - 25
5. Cristiano Ronaldo - 22
6. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer - 20