How Ronaldo's phenomenal jump compares to an Olympic high-jumper

Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo produced an incredible leap to head home a goal against Sampdoria on Thursday, so much so that it went viral around the world - but how does it compare to an Olympic high jumper?

Source: Twitter: @michellesammet

According to the BBC, 'The 34-year-old Portuguese produced a leap of 71cm as he met Alex Sandro's cross at the back post at a height of 2.56m - higher than the crossbar 2.43m - before heading home. His waist was at the height of the defender's head.'

No doubt the leap was incredible, not only for the height but also the 'hang-time' - the amount of time he was able to stay in the air.  

It led some people on social media to suggest that he could be in the high jump at the Olympics.

However, as Athletics journalist Michelle Sammet pointed out, Ronaldo still has quite a way to go.

"A football goal is 2.44m, the HJ (high jump) world record is 2.45m and Mutaz Barshim (the guy in the photo) cleared 2.43m with this attempt," Sammet tweeted.