The Manchester United forward became the first player to reach 800 top-level goals against Arsenal
A brace from Cristiano Ronaldo helped Manchester United claim a comeback 2-1 win against Arsenal in the Premier League on Thursday night, prompting roars of acclaim from African supporters.
There was substance to his latest goals, as the 36-year-old hit 800 and 801 career goals, making him the first player in history to do so at the top level.
There is some debate over his status as the most prolific scorer in men's football, but that did not stop reactions from coming in from across the continent as he reached 12 goals since he re-joined the Red Devils over the summer.
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While African fans generally lauded the Portugal superstar for his amazing track record, there were one or two of the continent's supporters who didn't appear too impressed with his goal haul.
Can he get to 1000 goals? Not impossible, says fans
Taking a subtle dig at Lionel Messi, one Nigerian fan on Facebook made his thoughts known.
He said: “Another level!. This is what differentiates real from fraud. Real goat becomes goat by creating and recreating records while the fraud one becomes goat by voting.”
At 36, Ronaldo continues to age like fine wine but is there time on his side in search of 1000 goals? One fan on GOAL Africa Facebook certainly thinks so.
“He will reach 1000 before he retires,” another Nigerian fan opined.
In line with the above thoughts, one of the supporter's compatriots said: “199 to go."
The ‘GOAT’ has become a widely used term in football, and the question of who owns that title undisputedly, remains one of the most controversial questions in the game.
To back CR7, one fan simply posted: ‘Real Goat’
Messi fans were not left out, giving their assessment of Ronaldo’s latest milestone.
A South-African Messi lover said: “We know the world's best player already and that can’t change that. He should score one million goals that’s not our concern”
“Messi the father of all footballs”, said another fan.
One Ghanaian fan took aim at Ronaldo, with a subtle attempt at rubbishing the quality of his goals.
“456 tap-ins, 189 offside goals, 167 penalties,” he said!
At this rate, Ronaldo has shown no signs of slowing down and the next question is if he can make it to 1000 goals.
The Portuguese has mentioned his intent to play until 40 on several occasions, and you can be sure he has the motivation and fitness to back that plan.
I'm a seasoned football analyst with a deep understanding of the sport, and my extensive knowledge is built on years of closely following the game, studying player statistics, and analyzing team performances. My insights are not only grounded in a theoretical understanding of football but also in practical observations and a keen awareness of current events in the footballing world.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article about Cristiano Ronaldo's remarkable achievement. The Manchester United forward, at 36 years old, has become the first player in the history of men's football to score 800 top-level goals. This milestone, achieved in a comeback win against Arsenal, has sparked reactions from fans across the continent, particularly in Africa.
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800 Top-Level Goals:
- Ronaldo's achievement of scoring 800 top-level goals underscores his prolific goal-scoring prowess. This includes goals in various top-tier competitions, emphasizing his consistency and dominance at the highest level of the sport.
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Debate Over Prolific Scorer:
- The article mentions a debate over Ronaldo's status as the most prolific scorer in men's football. This highlights the ongoing comparison between Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, two of the greatest footballers of their generation, and the subjective nature of such discussions among fans.
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African Fan Reactions:
- The article notes the diverse reactions from African supporters to Ronaldo's accomplishment. While many lauded him for his incredible track record, there were dissenting opinions, with one Nigerian fan taking a subtle dig at Messi and implying that Ronaldo's achievements are based on merit, not just fan voting.
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Potential to Reach 1000 Goals:
- The question arises whether Ronaldo, at 36, can reach 1000 career goals. Some fans express confidence in his ability to achieve this milestone before he retires, citing his current goal-scoring form and his stated intention to continue playing until the age of 40.
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The 'GOAT' Debate:
- The article touches on the ongoing debate about who deserves the title of the 'Greatest of All Time' (GOAT) in football. Supporters of Ronaldo refer to him as the 'Real Goat,' while Messi fans express their unwavering belief in Messi's superiority.
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Criticism of Ronaldo's Goals:
- A Ghanaian fan criticizes Ronaldo by questioning the quality of his goals, citing the number of tap-ins, offside goals, and penalties. This reflects the polarized nature of football fandom, where fans of rival players may attempt to diminish the achievements of their counterparts.
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Ronaldo's Future and Intentions:
- The article mentions Ronaldo's intent to play until the age of 40, indicating his motivation and fitness to continue performing at the highest level. This adds a forward-looking perspective to the discussion, contemplating whether he can maintain his goal-scoring prowess and potentially reach 1000 goals.
In conclusion, Ronaldo's achievement of 800 top-level goals has ignited discussions and debates among football fans, particularly in Africa, highlighting the subjective nature of football fandom and the ever-present rivalry between Ronaldo and Messi supporters. The article also raises questions about the future trajectory of Ronaldo's career and his pursuit of the elusive 1000-goal mark.
