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The Reason Why Cristiano Ronaldo Does His Trademark Stance Before Taking Free-Kicks

The Reason Why Cristiano Ronaldo Does His Trademark Stance Before Taking Free-Kicks

With Portugal in action at Euro 2020, here's why Cristiano Ronaldo adopts his iconic stance over free kicks

Tom Wood

Tom Wood

We've all seen the image of Cristiano Ronaldo standing over a free-kick. It's just about the most iconic image of recent times in world football.

If you're a fan of Manchester United, Real Madrid, or Juventus, you've waited with bated breath for the almost inevitable, and if you're a fan of a rival team - or a defender - you've held your breath and hoped for the best.

But why does he do it?

Why always three steps back from the ball and slightly off to the side? Why the legs spread right wide apart?

Before the run-up, there's a deep sigh, with his lips pursed, and his shoulders go up and down, in almost exaggerated fashion.

PA

Obviously, whatever he is doing is working, so he's going to keep doing it, but as Portugal continue their Euro 2020 campaign - and Ronaldo continues his quest to become the most prolific international goalscorer ever - here's why.

The information we need was provided some time ago by former Manchester United assistant manager Mike Phelan, who revealed why Ronaldo adopts his trademark stance before striking the dead ball goalward.

"People used to put the ball down, walk away, run up and hit it. He brought in a more dynamic showmanship," explained Phelan via the Daily Mail.

"He places the ball down, the concentration level is high, he takes his certain amount of steps back so that his standing foot is in the perfect place to hit the ball in the sweet spot."

Ronaldo
Ronaldo

"When he pulls those shorts up and shows his thighs, he is saying 'all eyes on me' and 'this is going in'.

"He understands the marketing side of it. The way he struts up and places it; the world is watching him."

Only Ronaldo could commercialise a free-kick. And when they go in, it's beautiful to watch.

Ronaldo's record of scoring free-kicks is actually quite patchy, but that could be down to the fact that he does take nearly every single one that is a goal-scoring opportunity.

Portugal will be relying on him once again as they strive to retain their European Championship crown, and Ronaldo will no doubt be absolutely bursting to get involved having missed out on the 2016 final through injury.

Not that he could be stopped from taking centre stage, however.

You might remember the image of him stalking the touchline, almost like an additional coach, as Portugal overcame France to lift the trophy.

Hopefully we'll see him at his best on the pitch at Euro 2020, perhaps for the last time.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: SPORT, Celebrity, Football, Euro 2020, Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo