The last time Newcastle United faced Cristiano Ronaldo was March 4th 2009.
Newcastle were hurtling towards relegation, while Manchester United were chasing yet another Premier League title.
The two sides met at St James’ Park, with Ronaldo starting for the Red Devils on the right wing.
It was Man United who came out on top, winning 2-1 thanks to goals from Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov. However, Peter Lovenkrands did give them a scare, putting Newcastle one up after nine minutes.
Sadly, it was Man United who triumphed, and Ronaldo was never seen against Newcastle again. Until this weekend, of course…
But who started for the Magpies on that day, and where are they now?
Last Newcastle XI to face Ronaldo – where are they now?
Steve Harper
The goalkeeper on that day is still with the club 12 years later. Harper was appointed as Newcastle’s Academy Manager this summer.
Steven Taylor
Now 35-years-old, Taylor is still playing. The defender recently re-joined Wellington Phoenix in Australia, where he plays alongside former Celtic striker Gary Hooper.
Fabricio Coloccini
This was Coloccini’s first season as a Newcastle player, and it was certainly tough.
He went on to captain the club, and is incredibly still playing at the age of 39.
Coloccini is back home in Argentina, and recently signed for Aldosivi.
Sebastien Bassong
This was Bassong’s only season with Newcastle. After relegation he joined Tottenham for £8million.
The Frenchman was last seen playing for Non League side Haringey Borough in late 2020.
Jose Enrique
Enrique retired from football in 2017 due to a persistent knee problem.
Since then he’s suffered from a brain tumour, but was given the all-clear in April 2019.
Enrique now runs his own footballing agency.
Ryan Taylor
Ryan Taylor, over the wall… At this point in time, Taylor wasn’t a cult hero, but he soon would be after a free-kick winner vs Sunderland in 2011.
Taylor was last seen in October playing for Non League side Colne. He has also featured on multiple Newcastle podcasts, talking about his time with the club.
Geremi
Now 42-years-old, Geremi is helping young Africans achieve their dreams and is a board member for FIFPRO.
Alan Smith
Smith was released by Notts County in 2018. He is now living in America and coaching young footballers.
Jonas Gutierrez
Despite all of the setbacks, Jonas Gutierrez is incredibly still playing. The 38-year-old recently joined Argentinian side Club Almagro.
Obafemi Martins
The number nine on that day, Martins was last seen playing for Wuhan Zall in China. He is now a free agent.
Peter Lovenkrands
The Newcastle scorer on that day, Lovenkrands has now moved into management. He recently took charge of Danish 1st Division side Fremad Amager.
