Cristiano Ronaldo wrote another glorious chapter in his illustrious career at Old Trafford as Manchester United clinched a vital Premier League win over Tottenham to continue their quest for a Champions League berth.
Three points over Antonio Conte’s side moved United back inside the top four, but the result played second fiddle to Ronaldo’s own outrageous record-breaking performance.
His first hat trick since returning to United in the summer of 2021 brought his career total up to 807 goals, as the highest-ever goal scorer in recognized FIFA 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 witnessed a vintage performance.
Tom Brady at Old Trafford to watch Cristiano Ronaldo
Despite Ronaldo getting all the attention on the pitch at Old Trafford, Brady was the focus of fan attention in the stands as he set the tone with a cheeky pre-game tweet to Ronaldo and Spurs star Harry Kane, who is an avid NFL fan and has attended events in the past.
Here we go! @Cristiano vs. @HKane. I might fist pump if you score Harry but I’m riding with @ManUtd today. pic.twitter.com/ybgHozzSBm
— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) March 12, 2022
Brady’s message of support was taken up by Ronaldo as he turned in a Brady-esque performance to inspire United to all three points.
Is Cristiano Ronaldo the Tom Brady of football? 💍 pic.twitter.com/0lNxN3zQW7
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) January 29, 2022
The California-born, now-retired NFL quarterback goes down in NFL history as the greatest quarterback who ever played with a record seven Super Bowl wins during an incredible 22-year career.
Brady spent his last two seasons at the helm 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 that the NFL GOAT was in the presence of another one:
Always a pleasure and a privilege to share some 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 prompted the question from many when they saw Ronaldo alongside Brady.
Here’s the breakdown of the numbers: The now-retired Brady is officially listed as 6-foot-4 (1.93 meters) and so it shouldn’t be a surprise that Ronaldo is nowhere near that stature although he’s one of the best headers of the ball in the game.
Ronaldo is listed by Transfermarkt at 1.87 meters, or just a hair over 6-foot-1. That’s a three-inch difference with the former quarterback.And it showed in the photo opportunity.
Brady’s message for Ronaldo
After the game, Brady made his way down to the field to chat with Ronaldo and other Man United players as social media descended 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 keeping it calm after the game, Brady enjoyed his own fan boy moment after Ronaldo tucked home his second of the game just before halftime.
The 44-year-old tweeted a clip of Ronaldo’s iconic ‘Siuuuuuuuu’ celebration as Old Trafford erupted and Ronaldo took up his infamous stance.
— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) March 12, 2022
Tom Brady meets Cristiano Ronaldo
Great to welcome you at Old Trafford, @TomBrady! 👋#MUFC | #PL
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 12, 2022
Cristiano Ronaldo talking with Tom Brady after the game. 🐐 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
A 🐐 clapping for another 🐐 👏
Tom Brady was Old Trafford’s special guest and witnessed Ronaldo’s hat-trick. 🔝 ⚽
📹 @GonzAlexxTK_10pic.twitter.com/ZOV1H1yCUX
— Gloria ⚽️ (@GloriaFootball) March 12, 2022