Together, Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani celebrated seven major titles during their time as teammates for Manchester United and Portugal. While at the English club, they won two Premier League titles (2007/08, 2008/09), the 2009 League Cup, the 2008 FA Community Shield, the iconic 2007/08 UEFA Champions League, and the 2009 FIFA Club World Cup.

On the international stage, they shared a historic moment in 2016, winning Portugal’s first-ever UEFA European Championship with a 1-0 victory over host nation France in extra time, courtesy of Eder’s unforgettable goal.

Reflecting on his career, Nani expressed gratitude and optimism in his retirement announcement on X (formerly Twitter): “The time has come to say goodbye. I have decided to finish my career as a professional player.”

“It’s been an amazing ride, and I wanted to thank every single person who has helped me and supported me through the highs and lows during a career which lasted over 20 years and gave me so many unforgettable memories. Time to turn a new leaf and focus on new goals and dreams. See you soon!” Nani wrote.

Nani considered Ronaldo’s ‘successor’

Much like Ronaldo, who joined Manchester United from Sporting CP in 2003, Nani followed the same path in 2007. Known for his electrifying skills on the left wing, Nani was considered a pivotal player under Sir Alex Ferguson. During his seven-year stint at Old Trafford, Nani played over 230 games and won 12 trophies.

However, while Ronaldo’s time at United served as a springboard to Real Madrid and later Juventus, Nani’s journey took a different turn. After leaving United, he had stints at Fenerbahçe, Orlando City, and several other clubs, but his impact never quite reached the same heights.

Michael Owen says Nani lacked confidence

Former Manchester United striker Michael Owen, a teammate of Nani’s, suggested in an interview with Daily Star that the winger had the talent to rival Ronaldo but lacked the self-belief to fulfill his potential.

“There are so many players who were absolutely talented but never reached their full potential,” Owen remarked. “Nani, at Manchester United, is an example. You’re talking about a player who was always on Cristiano Ronaldo’s heels, maybe feeling a bit overshadowed, but his ability…”

“When he arrived, he’d win ‘Man of the Match’ awards three or four weeks in a row, and then he’d get injured or something. That knocked his confidence. It would take months to get back to that level, and then it would happen again. He had immense ability, but he lacked confidence,” Owen concluded.

Compiling a list of the best imports in any league can be hard, there have been many great Argentine, Colombian, and World Cup winning players in MLS. When it comes to the European talents, we are examining name value, influence at their club, and honorable mentions.Not featured on the list are Andrea Pirlo, Steven Gerrard, and Frank Lampard who while had acceptable stints in MLS, they did not crack the best of the best.

This list goes back all the way to 1996, when the league kicked off, and mentions those European players who pioneered the way to MLS in the early days. Here are 25 top European players to have played in MLS.

Bastian Schweinsteiger

When Bastian Schweinsteiger came to MLS, he was expected to elevate the Chicago Fire, he did in a way, helping the club break a five-year drought in the MLS playoffs. Schweinsteiger was a class professional and while the Fire was at times below the German World Cup winner, Schweinsteiger was worth the price of admission. 8 goals in 85 games.

Roberto Donadoni

Roberto Donadoni was one of MLS biggest signings in its inaugural season in 1996. Donadoni was a workhorse player for the legendary AC Milan teams of the 1990’s, in MLS he set a standard for a foreign import. Donadoni was pure class on and off the field, a league that was below his level he trained harder, worked harder and even returned to the Italian national team to play in Euro 1996. A true example of what a name player must be, Donadoni played only 2 seasons in MLS and what did the Italian maestro do after 1997? He returned to AC Milan.

Romain Alessandrini

The French midfielder was a terror down the flank for the LA Galaxy, Romain Alessandrini scored 24 goals in 61 games, and while the club did not win any silverware during his time, Alessandrini was one of the few last home run signings for the Galaxy.

Hristo Stoichkov

The legendary Bulgarian forward Hristo Stoichkov came to MLS in 2000 and played very well for the Chicago Fire, again a name player leading by example, winning the US Open Cup in 2000. When he was traded to DC United in 2003, DC got a slower and crankier version of Stoichkov. Nonetheless Stoichkov was a very good signing for MLS.

Marco Di Vaio

Italian forward Marco Di Vaio signed with the then Montreal Impact and scored 34 goals in 76 games, he helped the club win two Canadian Championships in 2013 and 2014. The Impact would eventually sign better players in Piatti and Drogba, but Di Vaio was a home run DP.

Mo Johnston

Lost in the sands of time could be the signing of Scottish international Mo Johnston to the Kansas City Wizards in 1996. Johnston played from 1996-2001, scoring 31 goals in 149 games. He formed a great partnership with Preki and won the MLS Cup and the Supporters Shield in 2000.

Daniel Royer

Some names may not be as glamorous but are equally as important, Daniel Royer played over 100 games for the New York Red Bulls and scored 39 goals being a menace on the wings. 2020 and 2021 saw a dip in form but fans should not forget how important Royer was to the New York team’s attack.

Joel Lindpere

Another Red Bull, Joel Lindpere was all about hard work in New York. Lindpere was a fan favorite for his hustle and his leadership on the field. He scored 17 goals in 104 appearances for the club in three seasons, Lindpere was an ironman in the Red Bulls midfield.

Maxime Chanot

Recently crowned MLS champion defender Maxime Chanot has been a leader at the back for NYCFC, putting in a memorable MLS Cup performance. Chanot has been with the club since 2016 and will now lead them in 2022 as the team to beat in all of MLS.

Robert Warzycha

Polish midfielder Robert Warzycha was one of the Columbus Crew’s first major signings in 1996 and played until 2002 with the club. Warzycha was an example and leader on the field, winning the US Open Cup in 2002 and becoming the club’s head coach from 2009-2013.

Nani

Nani is on this list because the Portuguese midfielder’s arrival to Orlando City was crucial in getting the Lions out of their MLS funk. Nani scored some amazing goals in MLS and in total netted 28 times in 76 games. Nani was an All-Star in 2019 and 2021.

Johnny Russell

Continuing Kansas City’s tradition of Scottish imports, Johnny Russell has been nothing but gold for now Sporting KC. 40 goals in 113 games, Russell has been one of MLS best players since his arrival in 2018, 2021 was his best season to date. Inexplicably not in consideration for the Scottish national team.

Albert Rusnák

Slovakian midfielder Albert Rusnák is still only 27 years old, but he’s an old man at this point in RSL. Rusnák has played 140 games and scored 41 goals for RSL, now entering his sixth season with the club Rusnák has been there from the best of times and the worst.

Víctor Vázquez

Silky Spanish midfielder Víctor Vázquez was the final piece of the puzzle to help Toronto FC win the 2017 MLS Cup. Only playing 2 seasons, Vázquez showed his class and skill, while Toronto FC fans may be high on Alejandro Pozuelo’s individual awards, Vázquez’s time had more substance.

Laurent Ciman

Defenders need love too, Laurent Ciman was a rock for the Impact and a leader at LAFC. Considered one of the best MLS defenders in recent memory, the Belgian was a three-time All-Star.

Stefan Frei

Switzerland netminder Stefan Frei took over the nets in Seattle from Michael Gspurning and has been one of the best keepers in MLS. Frei began his MLS adventure with Toronto and has played over 230 games for the Sounders.

Carles Gil

Spain has provided many great imports to MLS in recent memory and one that most stands out is Carles Gil of the New England Revolution. Gil received many individual awards since joining the Revs in 2019 and anchored the team in their record setting 2021 season.

Piotr Nowak

Polish midfielder Piotr Nowak was a classic number 10 that helped lead the Chicago Fire to the 1998 MLS Cup. Nowak also won 2 US Open Cups with the club playing in 114 games and getting 16 goals.

Sebastian Giovinco

The Atomic Ant, Sebastian Giovinco came to MLS in a record transfer from Juventus in 2015 to Toronto FC, and the little forward was a goal machine, 68 goals in 114 games. 1 MLS Cup, 1 Supporters Shields, and 3 Canadian championships. A club legend.

David Villa

In search of a new challenge David Villa came to expansion side NYCFC and delivered in every aspect, a role model to the young players and a name to get people through the gates. Villa netted 80 times in 124 games and helped get NYCFC off the ground.

Robbie Keane

Irish international Robbie Keane came to the Galaxy by way of the Premier League, and was an instant hit, scoring 83 goals in 125 games. Keane was a leader and won 3 MLS Cups.

Bradley Wright-Phillips

MLS is a league where a $20 million dollar signing struggles and a Championship forward is one of the league’s top scorers. BWP is a Red Bulls legend, and one of MLS all-time best strikers.

David Beckham

The man who invented the DP rule, the signing that may have saved MLS from oblivion, David Beckham raised the league’s profile, turned Beckham into a team owner and was world news every time he scored. It was not always rosy, but David Beckham is an MLS all-time best, even though he wanted out on many occasions.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Zlatan Ibrahimovic raised the bar, he outdid Beckham who was so squeaky clean, Zlatan was the best villain the league ever had. He scored goals, belittled his opponents, belittled his teammates, but was a pure winner. Zlatan Ibrahimovic was simply a superstar; one the league badly misses.

Thierry Henry

The greatest European import in MLS history is Thierry Henry, why? The class, the goals, the leadership, the example. Henry was tailor made for New York, Henry was tailor made for MLS, Henry is simply a tailor-made soccer player. Few in MLS have connected the dots like Henry, he scored, he was elegant, he was well spoken, and was a perfect ambassador to MLS. A CLASS ACT.

It has been a strange 25th anniversary for the league, MLS had planned a year-long celebration to remember it’s relatively short history. Then the covid-19 pandemic hit and put many if not all celebrations on hold.

Nonetheless, some celebrations did take place and the year will culminate in an MLS Cup Champion. Here are the 25 top-selling jerseys of the 2020 Major League Soccer season.

25. Ezequiel Barco

It might be strange to see Ezequiel Barco on this list, given that he has played relatively very little in his three MLS seasons. The Argentine midfielder has show flashes of brilliance but never truly became a star in the league or in Atlanta United.

24. Cristian Roldan

The Seattle Sounders fan favorite has been a key part of their midfield since 2015. CristianRoldan has played over 150 games for Rave Green and has also played for the USMNT. Fans may be shocked to find out that Roldan is only 25, seems like he has been around forever.

23. Lucas Zelarayan

One of the best newcomers to MLS this season, Lucas Zelarayan, came from Liga MX side Tigres and has been one of the best players in the league. The Argentine scored 6 goals in 16 games, but most importantly he revitalized the Columbus Crew’s midfield.

22. Walker Zimmerman

Say what? Yeah, Walker Zimmerman, is number 22 on the list, the Nashville SC defender has been solid for the expansion franchise, even helping them get to the playoffs. Zimmerman is one of the best defenders in MLS and he is a pool player on the USMNT.

21. Cristian Pavon

The lone bright spot in a dreadful 2020 for the L.A. Galaxy, Cristian Pavoncame via loan last season from Boca Juniors and has been a highlight reel week in and week out. The Galaxy on the other hand area trainwreck, get his jersey now, the chances he returns for 2021 are slim.

20. Jonathan dos Santos

Mexican national team players are very popular in MLS, Jonathan dos Santos has been a very decent player for the L.A. Galaxy, a hard worker, and a good passer, Dos Santos stepped out of his brother’s shadow and became a main piece in the Galaxy’s midfield.

19. Chris Wondolowski

The MLS all-time leading goal scorer, Chris Wondolowski, continues to light up the nets in MLS at the age of 37. Rumors have it that he will return for 2021, although not certain for San Jose, Wondo is a shining example that Goonies never say die.

18. Johnny Russell

One of the most underrated players in MLS the Scotsman Johnny Russell has been nothing short of gold for Sporting KC. He continued to be clutch in the 2020 season scoring 6 goals in 21 games.

17. Diego Rossi

The MLS 2020 golden boot, Diego Rossi, had a breakout year for LAFC, although Rossi has gotten better in each of his three MLS seasons. Not only did he win the golden boot, but he finally got his long-awaited call up to the Uruguayan national team. Rumors have it that Rossi is Serie A bound and it looks unlikely he will return in 2021.

16. Edison Flores

The Peruvian international, Edison Flores, was supposed to take D.C. United to new heights but he along with D.C. had a poor 2020 season. Flores was injured and could only play 13 games and provide 3 assists. Flores will look to have a better 2021.

15. Nicolas Lodeiro

The Uruguayan midfielder is one of the best players in Sounders history and quite frankly one of the best number 10’s in MLS history. The two-time MLS Cup champion looks to win his third with the Sounders this season.

14. Alan Pulido

The high priced Mexican international did not disappoint in his first MLS season for Sporting KC. Alan Pulido scored 6 goals in 12 games and with one season under his belt, he will be one of the most entertaining players to watch in 2021.

13.Diego Chara

Mr. Portland Timbers, Diego Chara has been with the team since 2011, the strong and fun defensive midfielder is the heart and soul of the Timbers. At 34 he has proven very resilient to the tough grinds of MLS being one of the team fanfavorite players for well over 8 seasons.

12. Alejandro Bedoya

The Philadelphia Union captain and 2014 World Cup veteran for the USMNT, Alejandro Bedoya has been a vocal leader in Philadelphia, not only on the field but off the field. He was one of the first MLS players to speak out about social issues in the U.S. and has turned into one of the Union’s all-time best players.

11. Diego Valeri

The Argentine maestro, Diego Valeri is the Portland Timbers. No player identifies so much with their club than Valeri at Portland. Valeri has done it all in Portland, winning MLS Cup, the MLSisBack tournament, and cementing himself in the community, a class-act.

10. Brenden Aaronson

Get his jersey while you can because Brenden Aaronson is out of here. In his two seasons in MLS Aaronson has played 51 games and scored 7 goals for the Union. He has loads of talent and will transfer to RB Salzburg in Austria at season’s end. He is one of the most talented players to ever come out of MLS, and it won’t be long before he is with the USMNT.

9. Blaise Matuidi

The World Cup winner came to Inter Miami to give the team a much-needed spark. Blaise Matuidi’s hard work and leadership were instrumental in turning things around for a franchise that was going south and fast. He will be a huge piece of the puzzle in 2021.

8. Raul Ruidiaz

The Peruvian international does one thing, put the ball in the back of the net. Raul Ruidiaz has been nothing but lethal for the Sounders, scoring 33 goals in 53 matches. A fan favorite and one of the best in the league he has some highlight-reel goals in his three years in the league.

7. Nani

The former Manchester United midfielder, Nani, has reshaped Orlando City, helping them get to their first-ever MLS Cup playoffs. Nani has been a leader for Orlando City and has been extremely fun to watch this season with spectacular goals and assists.

6.Gonzalo Higuain

El Pipita comes with a pedigree few have in MLS, the Argentine international and former Juventus and Real Madrid striker is the league’s highest-paid player. Gonzalo Higuain provided a much-needed spark to an Inter Miami side in desperate need during 2020, although he scored only 1 goal his season was cut short when hetested positive for covid-19.

5. Rodolfo Pizarro

The Mexican international and teammate of Higuain’s Rodolfo Pizarro took a bit to get adjusted to MLS but with some support turned his season around and showed his class. Pizarro and Higuain were just getting started but that magic will have to wait until 2021.

4. Jordan Morris

A lot of expectations were put on Jordan Morris over the years and while he has lived up to them, the on again off again USMNT player has always been a contributor for the Seattle Sounders.

3. Josef Martinez

The most lethal target man in MLS, Josef Martinez has badly missed this season by Atlanta United, who had a dreadful 2020. Martinez will be back in 2021 and the man who scored 72 goals in 81 matches will be putting all MLS goalkeepers on alert!

2. Javier Hernandez

Well, at least Chicharito Javier Hernandez is selling jerseys, cause he hasn’t done much else in his very disappointing first MLS Season. The LA Galaxy were a mess this season and Chicharito was equally as bad, scoring 2 goals in 12 outings. He will be back in 2021 and MLS hopes they can get that egg off their face.

1. Carlos Vela

The Mexican and LAFC super star is the top-selling jersey in all of Major League Soccer. Carlos Vela has been nothing short of MVP class in MLS with great goals and strong leadership. 2020 was not LAFC’s nor Vela’s best but , in 2021 he might finally be able to lead the team to their first MLS cup.

At the moment there are 67DPs in MLS playing for various clubs this season. In 2019, the average MLS player salary was $345,867 yearly, on thislist, we will see that some DP’s are making up to 5-times the average salary.Every year the MLS Players Union reveals each team’s salary budget for the year, and fans get an insight as to how much their club is spending.

While Major League Soccercontinues to grow, so has team spending, and slowly MLSsalaries on average have become more competitive with those of top European leagues.Here are the top highest-paid players in MLS!

20. Valeri “Vako” Qazaishvili, San Jose Earthquakes – $1.47 million

Vako, as he is known in San Jose, has been with the club since 2017, Valeri Qazaishvili has been with them through some tough times and is a pivotal part of their resurgence under Mathias Almeyda. The midfielder is deadly with his passing and he is one of San Jose’s attacking options. Vako’s contract was not picked up by San Jose and it looks like 2020 was his last year in MLS.

19. Alan Pulido, Sporting KC – $2 million

Alan Pulido signed with Sporting KC for a club-record $9.5 million transfer fee. Pulido has lived up to his high price tag as he scored 6 goals in 12 games for the club in the 2020 season.While not official it is reported that the Mexican international earns an estimated $2 million per year.

18.Albert Rusnak, Real Salt Lake – $2million

Albert Rusnak signed with Real Salt Lake in 2017 and has been the team’s midfield brain since then. He has been one of the best players for RSL and has had two consecutive 10 goal seasons. He has played a total of 101 regular season games and has scored 30 goals.

17.Maxi Moralez, NYCFC – $2 million

The little man from Argentina,Maxi Moralez has been the key to so many NYCFC goals since he arrived in 2017. In 2020, Moralezscored 1 goal in 13games, in total he has played 103 games and scored 21 goals. The midfielder is a fan favorite and MLS All-Star.

16.Raul Ruidiaz, Seattle Sounders FC – $2 million

Raul Ruidiaz has been nothing short than a blockbuster signing for the Seattle Sounders. He has an excellent partnership withNicolás Lodeiro. He has, an almost, 1 goal per 2 game ratio for the club.Ruidiaz was a pivotal part of the Sounders 2019 MLS Cup.

15.Jonathan dos Santos, LA Galaxy – $2 million

Jonathan dos Santos came as a complement for this brother Gio dos Santos, whileJonathan dos Santos has played fairly well for the LA Galaxy, when you think of the Galaxy and DP’s he is hardly what you would consider the top of the class.

14.Carles Gil, New England Revolution – $2.3 million

The Spanish international signed for the Revs in 2019 and has been an instant success. Carles Gil has 10 goals in 40 games for the Revs and was namedMLS newcomer of the year and the Supporters player of the year in 2019.

13. Gustavo Bou, New England Revolution – $2.4 million

Gustavo Bou signed with the Revolution in 2019 from Tijuana in Mexico. In his debut game, Bou scored an impressive volley in a 4–0 win over the Vancouver Whitecaps. He has been a consistent goal scorer and one of the Revolution’s top players since signing with the club.

12. Diego Valeri, Portland Timbers – $2.41 million

Diego Valeri is one of the best MLS players of all time. He has entered the MLS’ exclusive 80/80 club having scored 80 goals and 80 assists for the Portland Timbers. Valeri has played over 200 games for the club since arriving in 2013.

11. Nani, Orlando City – $2.48 million

Nani joined Orlando City in 2019 and has been a consistent contributor for the team since his arrival. The team captain, the Orlando attack is built around the talented Portuguese midfielder. Nani has had a sensational 2020 season, scoring highlight-reel goals and taking Orlando City to their first playoff appearance.

10. Nicolás Lodeiro, Seattle Sounders – $2.5 million

Nicolás Lodeiro might possibly be one of the greatest Sounders players ever. Arriving from Argentine power Boca Juniors in 2016 he has been the string-puller of the Sounders midfield. Since the Uruguayan’sarrival, the club has won 2 MLS Cups and he has played over 100 games.

9. Sebastián Blanco, Portland Timbers – $2.85 million

Sebastián Blanco arrived in Portland in 2017 and has been one the Timbers most consistent performers. In 2020, he was having a breakout year until he went down with an ACL, the Argentine was an early 2020 MVP candidate. Blancowas the MLS is Back player of the tournament.

8. Josef Martínez, Atlanta United – $3.05 million

One of the most lethal goal scorers in MLS, Josef Martinez has been nothing but goals for Atlanta United. He has 77 goals in 84 games. LETHAL! Despite his injuries, few players find the back of the net like Martinez. Josef Martinezscored 19 goals in 2017, 31 in 2018, and 27 in 2019.

7. Alejandro Pozuelo, Toronto FC – $3.8 million

Alejandro Pozuelo is the midfield brain of Toronto FC. He arrived in 2019 as a replacement for the recently departed Sebastian Giovinco and Víctor Vázquez in the creative midfield role. Pozuelo has 21 goals, 22 assists in 53 games for TFC.

6. Rodolfo Pizarro, Inter Miami – $4.9 million

The Mexican international is reported to be on Inter Miami’s books for $4.9 million. Rodolfo Pizarro had a decent first season for Miami scoring 4 goals in 19 appearances. He continues to play for the Mexican national team and slowly became one of Inter Miami’s better players as the season progressed.

5. Carlos Vela, LAFC – $6.3 million

Carlos Vela is considered by many to be the best player in MLS. He has been nothing but class since his arrival in 2018 to LAFC. In his secondseason, Vela set the record for most goals scored in a single season by scoring 34 goals. He did not play in the MLS is Back tournament to stay with his wife.

4. Jozy Altidore, Toronto FC – $6.33 million

Many might be shocked to see Jozy Altidore so high up on this list, but in 2015 MLS wanted to bring home some of the 2014 World Cup heroes and Altidore was up to a return, especially considering he scored only 1 goal in 42 outings in the EPL. Altidore has been making this salary roughly since 2015!

3. Michael Bradley, Toronto FC – $6.5 million

Michael Bradley is one of the U.S. Men’s National Team all-time best players. He was playing very well in Serie A for Roma, although Bradleywas not an out and out starter when MLS called in 2014. Again, in 2014 MLS was looking to bring home prominent American players and paid them very well to return. It’s up to debate if Bradley has been worth such a high salary.

2. Javier Hernández, LA Galaxy – $7.2 million

The crown jewel of MLS. Chicharito is the league’s prize catch, it took a long time to get Javier Hernández to MLS, but he is finally here. The Mexican internationalis on the Galaxy books at 7.2 million and the club’s 2020 season was one of their worst ever. Chicharito scored an abysmal 2 goals in 12 outings.

1. Gonzalo Higuaín, Inter Miami – $8.8 million

Who is the highest paid MLS player? Gonzalo Higuaín. The Argentine striker is the league’s highest-paid player, he has signed a two year deal with Inter Miami for $8.8 million a year, according to the Miami Herald. The 33-year-old forward is a proven goalscorer having scored over 100 goals for Real Madrid, 71 for Napoli, 48 for Juventus. While his first season ended with him testing positive for coronavirus and missing the team’s critical playoff game, Higuaín was a much-needed boost for a club going in the wrong direction. For now, his numbers are lukewarm, 1 goal in 9 games, but with a proper preseason Pipita could light up the league in 2021.

Besides how competitive they were as roommates, they also led Manchester United and the Portugal’s national team to different titles while they played together. Nani joined the English team in the 2007-08 season to play alongside Ronaldo. In fact, they clinched the Premier League trophy that year.

Today, Nani plays for Orlando City SC in MLS, while Cristiano is still one of the best players in the world thanks to his performances with Juventus. Here we will take a look to every trophy they have won while playing together.

Community Shield 2007

The 2007 Community Shield was the first title Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani won as teammates. Nani was a new signing at Manchester United and managed to play some minutes in the final against Chelsea. The match finished in a 1-1 draw and the Red Devils won on penalties.

Ronaldo played the entire game and even scored his penalty in the shootout. It was United’s 16th Community Shield title in their history.

Premier League 2007-08

It was Nani’s first season at Manchester United and he finished it with a Premier League trophy. The Red Devils claimed the title after ending at the top of the standings with 87 points, two ahead of second-placed Chelsea. Nani played 26 league matches that season andscoredthree goals.

Ronaldo was unstoppable that season. He netted 31 goals in 34 games, becoming the Premier League’s top scorer. CR7 also wonthe Premier League Player of the Season accolade for the second season in succession.

Community Shield 2008

The 2008 edition of the Community Shield between Manchester United and Portsmouth saw the Red Devils winning the trophy in the penalty shootoutafter a scoreless draw. Nani played until the 79′ minute, when he was replaced by Fraizer Campbell.

Ronaldo did not play the game and was not among the substitutes either. Although he was not part of the match, he was a member of the squad. That’s why this trophy counts for the list.

UEFA Champions League 2007-2008

Manchester United won the UEFA Champions League 2007-2008 by beating their Premier League rivals Chelsea on penalties in the final. The match finished in a 1-1 draw and the Red Devils then clinched the trophy in the shootout. Nani entere in extra time and scored his penalty.

Ronaldo finished the season as the tournament’s top scorer and best player. He even scored United’s goal in the final, but he missed his penalty in the shootout. However, the team helped his this time and the Manchester side became champions.

FIFA Club World Cup 2008

Manchester United won the FIFA Club World Cup trophy in 2008 by defeating Ecuador’s Liga de Quito 1-0 in the final. Wayne Rooney socred the winning goal for the Red Devils, while Cristiano, who had netted oncein the 5-3 victory over Japan’s Gamba Osaka in the semifinals, played the entire game.

Nani missed the final. He was not part of the first team and manager Alex Fergusson did not sent him to the field during the 90 minutes. However, he celebrated with the rest of his teammates.

League Cup 2008-09

The Red Devils won the 2008-09 League Cup, also known as Carling Cup, by beating Tottenham Hotspurs in the final on penalties after a scoreless draw. Both Ronaldo and Nani were part of United’s first team and CR7 scored his penalty in the shootout.

Nani finished the tournament with three goals, while the team’s top scorer was Argentine Carlos Tevez, who managed to scoresix times.

Premier League 2008-2009

A newPremier League title for Manchester United, and another one for Nani and Cristiano Ronaldo. The Red Devils finished the season with 90 points, four ahead of Liverpool. This time, CR7 ended with 18 goals, one behind the league’s top scorer Nicolas Anelka of Chelsea.

It was the last Premier League season for Ronaldo before he was transferred to Real Madrid. Nani stayed at Manchester untiel 2014, when he was loaned to Sporting Lisbon.

Euro 2016

Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani won a trophy together again in 2016, but this time with their national team. It was the first Euro title for Portugal, who beat France 1-0 in the final by a goals scored by Éder in extra time.

Both Ronaldo and Nani finished the tournament with three goals each. CR7 won the Silver Boot award asthe second best player of the competition. France’s Antoine Griezmann claimed the Golden Boot award.