Cristiano Ronaldo has made history by becoming the first male player to score 900 career goals, a monumental achievement that further cements his legacy in the world of football.
The Portugal captain reached this remarkable milestone during a UEFA Nations League match against Croatia on September 5, 2024.
He scored his 900th goal in the 34th minute, converting a volley from a precise cross by Nuno Mendes.
This goal contributed to Portugal’s 2-1 victory, marking a significant moment in both Ronaldo’s career and football history.
At 39 years old, Ronaldo’s accomplishment of 900 goals includes 769 goals scored in club competitions and 131 international goals for Portugal.
He has played for several prestigious clubs, including Sporting Lisbon, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus. Currently he plays for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, his goal tally breaks down as follows:
Team | Goals |
---|---|
Real Madrid | 450 |
Manchester United | 145 |
Portugal | 131 |
Juventus | 101 |
Al Nassr | 68 |
Sporting Lisbon | 5 |
Ronaldo’s achievement not only highlights his individual talent but also his consistency and longevity in a sport that demands peak physical performance.
Additionally, he has been a prolific scorer throughout his career. He holds the record for the most goals in UEFA Champions League history and being a five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
After the match, an emotional Ronaldo reflected on his milestone, stating,
His ambition to continue scoring at a high level remains strong, consequently he is expected to be a key player for Portugal as they prepare for upcoming matches.
They are set to play against Scotland on September 8.
Ronaldo’s rivalry with Lionel Messi has been a defining narrative in football for over a decade.
Ronaldo now leads in total career goals. Messi, who has scored 838 goals, is the closest active player to Ronaldo’s record.
The football community has celebrated Ronaldo’s achievement. They recognise the hard work and dedication that have propelled him to this historic milestone.
As Ronaldo continues to defy age and expectations, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how far he can extend his record. He now has an ambitious target of reaching 1,000 career goals now firmly in his sights.