This is why Cristiano Ronaldo takes up his trademark stance before free-kicks

Cristiano Ronaldo is much more than an elite-level athlete.

Ronaldo has established himself as a standalone brand while simultaneously establishing himself as one of the greatest footballers of all time. Nobody works harder than the Portugal captain on the training ground but Ronaldo is also famously business-savvy. Everything from his haircuts to his goal celebrations are well thought out in advance by the Real Madrid superstar to make himself as marketable as possible. Ronaldo is well aware of the fact that viewers' focus lies solely on him when he sets the ball down for free-kicks for both club and country. And, according to former coach Mike Phelan, the reason behind Ronaldo's signature wide stance prior to striking free-kicks is solely for marketing reasons, rather than anything technical. Phelan, who coached Ronaldo at Manchester United, has explained the thinking behind the reigning Ballon d'Or holder's distinctive free-kick preparation.

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

"He is the ultimate showman. He has that slight arrogance. 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."