Cristiano Ronaldo broke the world record for international goals. The 36-year-old has surpassed the existing world-record mark set by former Iran forward Ali Daei. Cristiano Ronaldo has become the leading goal-scorer in international football, with 110 goals to his name. The Portugal captain reached the mark during his side’s World Cup Group A qualifying match against Ireland.
Ronaldo missed a penalty but soon added a second goal as Portugal beat visiting Ireland 2-1 in World Cup qualifying on Wednesday. The historic moment took place in the 89th minute when the Portuguese striker struck a goal to level the scores 1-1. Six minutes into the stoppage time, Ronaldo added another goal. This took his tally to 111 goals in 180 games.
The 36-year-old has taken 180 matches to get to the tally of 110 goals. Ali Daei had scored 109 goals in 149 appearances for the national side.
“I’m very happy, not only because I beat the record but for the special moments that we had,” Ronaldo said. “Two goals at the end of the game is so tough, but I have to appreciate what the team did. We believed until the end.”
Cristiano Ronaldo has sealed a move back to Manchester United. The ace footballer had previously spent six seasons between 2003-09. He also vowed to help Manchester United win major trophies again. Ronaldo is expected to make his debut for United in a home game against Newcastle United on Sept. 11.
Here is a list of International Top scorers:
- 111 Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) – 180 appearances
- 109 Ali Daei (Iran) – 149 appearances
- 89 Mokhtar Dahari (Malaysia) – 142 appearances
- 84 Ferenc Puskás (Hungary) – 85 appearances
- 79 Godfrey Chitalu (Zambia) – 111 appearances
- 78 Hussein Saeed (Iraq) – 137 appearances
- 77 Pelé (Brazil) – 92 appearances
- 76 Ali Mabkhout (United Arab Emirates) – 92 appearances
- 76 Lionel Messi (Argentina) – 151 appearances
- 75 Sándor Kocsis (Hungary) – 68 appearances
- 75 Kunishige Kamamoto (Japan) – 76 appearances
- 75 Bashar Abdullah (Kuwait) – 134 appearances
Also Read: Cristiano Ronaldo Overtakes Pelé’s Official Goal Tally