Ronaldo Makes History with Brace in Men’s Cap Record
Cristiano Ronaldo celebrated his record-setting 197th men’s international appearance by scoring twice in Portugal’s Euro 2024 qualifying opener rout of Liechtenstein.
The 38-year-old has now scored 120 international goals, a record for men.
He made his international debut in 2003 and became the first player to score in five World Cups in Qatar last year.
Ronaldo added to his goal total with a second-half penalty and a free-kick to the top corner.
The forward, who now plays in Saudi Arabia for Al Nassr, had been frustrated in front of goal during the first half, blasting a clear-cut opportunity well over the crossbar, with the hosts’ only reward being a deflected Joao Cancelo shot.
However, shortly after the resumption of play, Bernardo Silva doubled their lead with a low shot into the bottom corner. Ronaldo then came to the fore as he reached yet another milestone and became the first player to score 100 goals in competitive international play.
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Ronaldo matched Kuwait forward Bader Al-Mutawa with 196 World Cup appearances, but his international future was uncertain after Portugal was eliminated by Morocco in the quarterfinals.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was dropped from the Portuguese starting lineup at the tournament, but he justified his selection as captain in the first game under new manager Roberto Martinez.
Ronaldo is still making history.
The most recent records set by Ronaldo only strengthen his position as one of the greatest players of all time.
He has won seven domestic championships, eleven other major domestic trophies, five Champions Leagues, four Club World Cups, and one European Championship during his glittering career.
Additionally, the former Sporting Lisbon, Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus forward has been named Best Fifa Men’s Player twice.
In November, he became the first player to score 800 career goals at the highest level, and he also holds numerous other men’s records for both club and country, such as:
- Most Champions League goals (140)
- Most Champions League appearances (183)
- Most Champions League wins (5)
- The only player to score in three Champions League finals
- Appeared in most European Championship finals (5)
- Most goals in European Championship finals (14)
- Most Euro and World Cup final goals combined (22)
- Most international goals in world football (120)
- Most international goals in competitive fixtures (100)
- The first player to score 10 hat-tricks in men’s international football
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