ESM Golden Shoe: Ronaldo on the rise
Monday, March 3, 2003
Article summary
Ronaldo was the most significant weekend mover in the standings after a hat-trick for Real Madrid CF.
Article body
Ronaldo was the most significant mover in the ESM Golden Shoe standings after scoring three times in Real Madrid CF's 5-1 victory against Deportivo Alavés on Saturday.
'Fulfil my promise'
The Brazilian's first hat-trick since December 1998, against US Lecce for Internazionale FC, saw him climb to joint-14th position from 61st. The 26-year-old, who has now scored 13 times in the Primera División this season, plans to continue his ascent up the Golden Shoe table by reaching 25 goals. Ronaldo said: "I am still aiming to fulfil my promise and although I know it won't be easy I think I can do it."
Fierce competition
That figure would not be enough to see Ronaldo become Europe's premier scorer as competition is fierce at the summit. Christian Vieri, the leader with 21 goals, drew a blank as Inter lost 3-0 to Juventus FC, while Thierry Henry was not on target as Arsenal FC beat Charlton Athletic FC 2-0.
Makaay on target
Yet Roy Makaay was among the goals, the Dutchman's 19th of the season moving him level with Henry in second place as well as setting RC Deportivo La Coruña on their way to a 2-1 win against Real Racing Club Santander. James Beattie was also on the rise in the top ten, climbing to fifth from seventh after scoring the only goal as Southampton FC beat West Bromwich Albion FC 1-0 in the Premiership.
Two for Nonda
Shabani Nonda's two goals in AS Monaco FC's 3-1 win at Lille OSC lifted him to ninth place from 12th, joining Pauleta of FC Girondins de Bordeaux who was on target for the 16th time this season in the 2-0 home win against FC Sochaux-Montbéliard.
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Last updated: 3 March 2003
Only the leading five countries (Spain, Italy, Germany, France and England) on the UEFA Ranking have 2 as their multiplier. This is to emphasise the difference in (international) performance level between the clubs from those countries and those from the other countries.
A player cannot first play in a summer league (e.g. Norway) and then in a winter league (e.g. Spain) and combine the points total for each season.
Figures from Voetbal International
