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Cristiano Ronaldo is arguably one of the greatest footballers ever to grace the sport. The Real Madrid icon’s stellar career so far has been punctuated with innumerable records and truly astonishing statistics. Thursday’s champions league encounter with Swedish champions Malmo saw Ronaldo reach yet another milestone – he has now scored a jaw-dropping 501 career goals in just 753 appearances. In doing so, he also set some new records. Magnifique!
Ronaldo’s goal scoring exploits is often attributed to his stupendous talent, technical brilliance and athletic physique. Though it has to be said that he has benefitted considerably playing alongside some of the top players in the world football at Real Madrid and in his time at Manchester United. The likes of Ryan Giggs, Wayne Rooney, Nani during his early years at United and Karim Benzema, Mesut Ozil, Angel di Maria, Bale among others at Real have been significantly influential on the Portuguese captain.
The Madrid no. 7’s partnership with French striker Karim Benzema has developed into one of the most devastating attacks in Europe. The pair along with Gareth Bale known as the ‘BBC’ have torn apart defences at will. It would come as no surprise that Benzema has provided Ronaldo with the most number of assists, 31 to be exact. The Ballon d’Or holder also has the technically astute Ozil (now at Arsenal) and PSG’s di Maria to thank for, who have assisted him 27 and 22 times respectively.
Welshman Gareth Bale is not far behind with 20 assists. With Rafa Benitez playing him centrally behind the striker and his understanding with Ronaldo improving by the day, we can expect those numbers to change drastically. The brilliant Kaka and midfield enforcer Xabi Alonso have provided 9 assists each underlying their worth.
It was Manchester United where Cristiano burst onto the international scene 12 years ago. His most prolific campaign at United was the 2008/09 season where he plundered 42 goals (including 31 in the league) helping them clinch the league as well as the champions league title. During this spell, he was helped greatly by the presence of United legend Ryan Giggs. Ryan, playing on the wings and in central midfield towards the end of his career, provided him with an envious 16 assists.
The Portuguese ace had formed a successful partnership in attack with Rooney. This is evidenced by the 10 assists provided by Rooney, not to forget the numerous goals they both scored themselves. He also had his international teammate Nani providing him with the ammunition to destroy opposition defences. ?
| # | Name | Club | Assists provided |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Karim Benzema | Real Madrid | 31 |
| 2 | Mesut Ozil | Real Madrid | 27 |
| 3 | Angel di Maria | Real Madird | 22 |
| 4 | Gareth Bale | Real Madrid | 20 |
| 5 | Ryan Giggs | Manchester United | 16 |
| 6 | Gonzalo Higuain | Real Madrid | 15 |
| 7 | Wayne Rooney | Manchester United | 10 |
| 8 | Xabi Alonso | Real Madrid | 9 |
| Marcelo | Real Madrid | 9 | |
| Kaka | Real Madrid | 9 | |
| Sergio Ramos | Real Madrid | 9 | |
| Nani | Manchester United | 9 | |
| 13 | Isco | Real Madrid | 8 |
| 14 | Luka Modric | Real Madrid | 7 |
