Undeniably one of the biggest names in the world of football, Cristiano Ronaldo's hard work and will to succeed has allowed him to etch his name in the history books as one of the greatest players to have graced the beautiful game. He might have moved away from star-studded Real Madrid and watched his nemesis Lionel Messi win this year's Ballon d'Or, but Ronaldo continues to strive for success with his unmatched skills.

At the age of 34, when other footballers tend to contemplate retirement, Ronaldo appears to be busy destroying careers of much younger players with his exploits on the football pitch. The sheer genius of Ronaldo was once again in full display as his breathtaking header during a recent Serie A clash left everyone speechless.

A 19th-minute strike from Paulo Dybala had put Juventus ahead against Sampdoria at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris. But, a first-time finish from Gianluca Caprari brought the hosts on level terms with Maurizio Sarri's men in the 35th minute. With both the teams tied in a deadlock at 1-1 and half-time looming, Ronaldo produced a moment of inspiration to restore the lead for his side.

The 45th minute saw Juventus working the ball around beautifully, stretching Sampdoria which gave Alex Sandro the much-needed space to produce a sumptuous cross to the back post where Ronaldo was waiting patiently. Towering over his marker to head right into the top-left corner past goalkeeper Emil Audero, Ronaldo produced a gravity-defying goal. And, such was his hang time that it would put most of the NBA stars to shame.

The Portuguese star was calculated to have jumped 71 centimetres in the air and met with the ball at a height of 2.56 metres. His unbelievable goal eventually proved to be the winner as Juventus stormed to the top of Serie A points table with a 2-1 win over Sampdoria. Such was his goal that it even impressed Sampdoria coach Claudio Ranieri.

“Ronaldo did something you see in the NBA. You can only congratulate him and move on,” Ranieri said after the game. Apart from Ranieri, Ronaldo's goal also left football pundits and fans in disbelief as they thronged social media to shower praise on the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.

Messi can't do this... https://t.co/KoePBYqLFv

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) December 18, 2019

Nobody, I repeat Nobody, not even your Messi. Can score this type of goal.. He practically defiled Gravity!

The real GOATð

Cristiano Ronaldoð¥ pic.twitter.com/vZZNtfr4mx

— Babalola E Temitope (@B_E_T) December 18, 2019

... is it a bird ð¦ ? ... is it plane â ? noooo..! it's Cristiano Ronaldo ðð#SampdoriaJuventus pic.twitter.com/SzYGpVzCb3

— Decardi Jr. (@decardinell) December 18, 2019

Completely suspended in the air with no touch on the defender!!

Respect Ronaldo! Respect the GOAT!! pic.twitter.com/ik0cwTbHrF

— Duke of Ibadan ðï¸ (@AsiwajuLerry) December 18, 2019

Ronaldo jumps & then tells Gravity to chill before he heads the ball in the net, that's the craziest Heading Technique I have seen in Football. Has to open Air Ronaldo at this Point...

— King Nonny ð (@Zaddy_nomso) December 18, 2019

Absolutely nobody

Cristiano Ronaldo: pic.twitter.com/WiraYQG8Gy

— ___HITLAð¦ (@pryme_suspekt) December 18, 2019

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