Marking his 39th birthday today, soccer legend Cristiano Ronaldo, now in the later phase of his career, was previously an indomitable presence, consistently shattering records in both club and international arenas. As Ronaldo reaches this significant milestone, let’s review the 10 extraordinary records that establish his standing as one of the greatest footballers in history.
Holder of the Record for Most International Caps | Cristiano Ronaldo has clinched the title for the highest number of international caps in men’s football, having taken part in 205 matches for Portugal. Ronaldo attained the distinction of being the most-capped men’s footballer by featuring in Portugal’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Liechtenstein, marking his 197th international cap and surpassing Kuwaiti forward Bader Al-Mutawa.
We’re celebrating CR7’s 39th birthday with 39 'SIMs' 🤩🐐 pic.twitter.com/CfeIO5FAyd
— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) February 5, 2024
Innovator of 800 Career Goals | Cristiano Ronaldo has etched his name in history as the inaugural footballer to reach 800 senior-level goals, encompassing his total for both club and country. Ronaldo achieved this extraordinary milestone during his second tenure with Manchester United in a match against Premier League rivals Arsenal in November 2022.
Top Goal Scorer in Global Football | Cristiano Ronaldo stands atop world football as the athlete with the most goals to his name. Ronaldo has scored 128 international goals, solidifying this impressive achievement. In September 2021, Ronaldo earned the distinction of being the player with the most international goals worldwide, eclipsing Ali Daei’s record of 109 goals. He accomplished this milestone with a two-goal performance against the Republic of Ireland.
Exclusive Scorer in 11 Consecutive International Tournaments | Cristiano Ronaldo holds the unique honor of being the solitary player to register goals in 11 consecutive international tournaments in men’s football. Ronaldo consistently scored for Portugal in international tournaments spanning from 2004 to 2022.tricks | Cristiano Ronaldo has notched an impressive 10 hat-tricks for Portugal’s senior men’s team, securing the record for the most hat-tricks in men’s international football. He surpassed Sven Rydell’s previous record of nine during Portugal’s 5–0 victory against Luxembourg on October 12, 2021.
Pioneer Scorer in 5 World Cup Editions | Cristiano Ronaldo has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first male player to score in five distinct World Cup editions. Ronaldo secured this achievement in Portugal’s opening match of the 2022 FIFA World Cup against Ghana, converting a penalty in the 65th minute to carve his name into the annals of history.
Holder of the Most Champions League Appearances Record | Cristiano Ronaldo boasts the record for the greatest number of appearances in the UEFA Champions League, the premier European club competition, having played in a total of 183 matches.
All-Time Leading Scorer in the Champions League | Cristiano Ronaldo also stands as the all-time leading goal-scorer in the Champions League, having scored 140 goals to claim this record. (Image: Reuters)
Highest Number of Champions League Goals in a Single Season | Cristiano Ronaldo achieved a remarkable feat by scoring 17 goals for Real Madrid during the 2013-14 Champions League season. This accomplishment established him as the player with the most goals in a single Champions League season. Additionally, Ronaldo holds the second position with 16 goals in one season and the third position with 15 goals in a single Champions League season.
Leader in Champions League Victories | Cristiano Ronaldo holds the notable achievement of securing the highest number of Champions League title triumphs. Ronaldo has clinched the Champions League title a record five times. This accomplishment includes one victory with Manchester United and four with Real Madrid.
Following his departure from Manchester United, Ronaldo made waves in the football community by joining Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League in January 2023.
Throughout his time at Al Nassr, Ronaldo has scored 44 goals in 50 games. In the current 2023-24 season, Ronaldo has already made a notable impact, participating in 18 matches, scoring 20 goals, and contributing nine assists.
In 2023, he finished the year as the leading scorer globally, tallying 54 goals for both Portugal and Al Nassr. With 128 international goals since his debut in 2003, he holds the world record for the highest number of international goals.
Ronaldo has also enjoyed success with the Portuguese national team, securing victories in the UEFA Nations League and a EURO Cup. As the 39-year-old football icon celebrates his birthday, Ronaldo continues to establish a lasting legacy with records that seem beyond reach in the foreseeable future.
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