Cristiano Ronaldo wrote another glorious chapter in his illustrious career at Old Trafford as Manchester United secured a vital Premier League win over Tottenham to continue their quest for a Champions League place.
Three points clear of Antonio Conte’s side took United back into the top four, but the result played second to Ronaldo’s outrageous record performance.
His first hat-trick since returning to United in the summer of 2021 took his career tally to 807 goals, as FIFA’s all-time top scorer in recognized matches.
There, to watch it all, was a GOAT in his own right: NFL legend Tom Brady was at Old Trafford to watch the Portuguese superstar and saw a vintage performance.
Tom Brady at Old Trafford to watch Cristiano Ronaldo
Although Ronaldo grabbed all the attention on the pitch at Old Trafford, Brady was the focus of fans’ attention in the stands as he set the tone with a cheeky pre-match tweet at the Ronaldo star and Spurs’ Harry Kane, who is an avid NFL fan and has attended events in the past.
Here we are! @Cristiano vs. @HKane. I might fist pump if you tag Harry but I roll with it @ManUtd today. pic.twitter.com/ybgHozzSBm
—Tom Brady (@TomBrady) March 12, 2022
Brady’s message of support was echoed by Ronaldo as he put in a Brady-esque performance to inspire United from the three points.
Is Cristiano Ronaldo the Tom Brady of football? 💍 pic.twitter.com/0lNxN3zQW7
— Squawka Soccer (@Squawka) January 29, 2022
The California-born, now-retired NFL quarterback goes down in NFL history as the greatest quarterback to ever play with a record seven Super Bowl wins during an incredible career 22 years old.
Brady spent his last two seasons in charge of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, owned by United’s majority shareholders, the Glazer family. He led them to a Super Bowl victory in 2021, their first since 2002.
After posing for the photo, Ronaldo made it clear the world knew the NFL GOAT was in another’s presence:
Always a pleasure and a privilege to share thoughts and ideas with another GOAT… 👏🏽👊🏽 pic.twitter.com/HsFe7UxjQ6
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) March 13, 2022
How tall is Ronaldo? How tall is Brady?
The photo sparked the question of many when they saw Ronaldo alongside Brady.
Here’s the breakdown of the numbers: Brady, now retired, is officially listed as 6ft 4in (1.93m) so it should come as no surprise that Ronaldo is nowhere near that stature despite being one of the best ball headers in the game.
Ronaldo is listed by Transfermarkt at 1.87m, just a hair over 6ft 1in. That’s a three-inch difference with the former quarterback. And it showed during the photo shoot.
Brady’s message for Ronaldo
After the match, Brady took to the pitch to chat with Ronaldo and other Man United players as social media went into a GOAT frenzy as two sporting legends enjoyed a catch-up.
Cristiano Ronaldo x Tom Brady
🐐 alert pic.twitter.com/0oaiz1Z8QO
– Sacha Pisani (@Sachk0) March 12, 2022
However, despite remaining calm after the game, Brady enjoyed his own fanboy moment after Ronaldo netted his second of the game just before half-time.
The 44-year-old tweeted a clip of Ronaldo’s iconic “Siuuuuuuuu” celebration as Old Trafford erupted and Ronaldo took his infamous stance.
—Tom Brady (@TomBrady) March 12, 2022
Tom Brady meets Cristiano Ronaldo
Glad to welcome you to Old Trafford, @TomBrady! 👋#MUFC | #PL
–Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 12, 2022
Cristiano Ronaldo speaks with Tom Brady after the match. 🐐 pic.twitter.com/wL8wMewh0S
— TC (@totalcristiano) March 12, 2022
Tom Brady watching Ronaldo today 🐐 (via @NBCSportsSoccer)pic.twitter.com/IxkEC16owV
— Overtime (@overtime) March 12, 2022
One 🐐 clapping for another 🐐 👏
Tom Brady was the special guest at Old Trafford and witnessed Ronaldo’s hat-trick. 🔝 ⚽
📹 @GonzAlexxTK_10pic.twitter.com/ZOV1H1yCUX
— Gloria ⚽️ (@GloriaFootball) March 12, 2022
