Cristiano Ronaldo made history by becoming the first men’s player to score 900 goals in official matches during Portugal’s UEFA Nations League match against Croatia in Lisbon. The milestone goal came in the 34th minute when Ronaldo scored with a volley from Nuno Mendes’ cross, helping Portugal secure a 2-1 victory. Reflecting on his achievement, Ronaldo expressed immense pride, acknowledging the hard work and dedication required to reach such a unique milestone in his career. His emotional celebration—kneeling with his hands to his face—underscored the significance of this moment.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner continues to lead the all-time scoring charts, with 58 more goals than his closest rival, Lionel Messi, who has 842 goals. Brazilian legend Pelé ranks third with 765 goals. Ronaldo also achieved another historic first by breaking the 800-goal barrier in 2021 during his second stint with Manchester United. Additionally, he holds the record for the most international goals in men’s football, with 131 goals in 209 appearances, placing him ahead of Messi and Iran’s Ali Daei, both with 109 goals.
Ronaldo’s club career is equally impressive, having scored 769 club goals across stints with Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and his current club, Al Nassr. Despite being 39 years old, Ronaldo remains determined to extend his remarkable scoring legacy. He recently set his sights on a new target: 1,000 career goals, a milestone he believes he can achieve by the age of 41 if he remains injury-free. This ambitious goal reflects his enduring competitive spirit and commitment to excellence.
Ronaldo emphasized the distinction of his achievements, highlighting that all his goals are documented in video, a testament to the transparency and accountability of his era. He acknowledged the contributions of legends like Pelé and Alfredo Di Stéfano, who played in times when such records were harder to verify, but he also asserted the credibility of his own numbers. Ever confident, he joked about adding goals from training sessions to his tally if needed to prove his greatness.
The milestone underscores Ronaldo’s relentless pursuit of success and his status as one of football’s all-time greats. Whether for club or country, his career has been defined by consistency, discipline, and an insatiable drive to achieve more. As he continues to set new benchmarks, Ronaldo’s legacy remains a testament to his extraordinary talent and dedication to the sport.
