Cristiano Ronaldo has etched his name deeper into football history by becoming the first player to score 900 career goals. The milestone came during Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Croatia in the UEFA Nations League opener on September 5, 2024. The 39-year-old superstar reached this unprecedented achievement in the 34th minute of the match at the Estádio da Luz in Lisbon, connecting with a precise cross from Nuno Mendes.Ronaldo’s emotional celebration, covering his face and kneeling on the ground, underscored the magnitude of the achievement. ‘It means a lot to me, as it was a unique milestone in my career,’ Ronaldo admitted after the match. The breakdown of Ronaldo’s 900 goals spans his illustrious career across various clubs and the national team: 450 for Real Madrid, 145 for Manchester United, 131 for Portugal (extending his record for international goals), 101 for Juventus, 68 for Al-Nassr, and 5 for Sporting Lisbon.As Ronaldo continues to defy age and expectations, his sights are set on an even loftier goal. ‘I want to reach 1,000 goals. If I don’t have any injuries, this for me is the most important (thing), I want that,’ Ronaldo stated. His coach, Roberto Martinez, praised Ronaldo’s dedication, saying, ‘It’s fantastic for the history of Portuguese football, for Cristiano, and for world football, but it’s also an excellent example for the locker room’.Interestingly, Ronaldo downplayed the importance of winning a World Cup, claiming that winning the European Championship is equivalent. ‘Portugal winning the Euros is the equivalent of winning the World Cup. I’ve already won two trophies for Portugal that I really wanted, so I’m not motivated by that [World Cup],’ Ronaldo said.The achievement has been celebrated globally, with his current club Al Nassr praising him as the ‘Global leader… Saudi Nassr… the greatest in history’. Real Madrid also congratulated their former star, stating ‘One of the greatest legends of Real Madrid and world football. Congratulations, dear and admired Cristiano! Real Madrid and the madridismo are always proud of you’.As Ronaldo approaches his 40th birthday, he continues to silence critics who question his ability to perform at the highest level. With his sights set on 1,000 goals, it’s clear that the Portuguese superstar has no intention of slowing down.
Key points
- Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 900th career goal in Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Croatia.
- Ronaldo has set his sights on reaching 1,000 career goals.
- The Portuguese star downplayed the importance of winning a World Cup, stating that winning the Euros is equivalent.
- At 39, Ronaldo continues to defy age expectations and silence critics.
Contradictions👾While Ronaldo claims that winning the Euros is equivalent to winning the World Cup, this view may not be universally shared in the football community.
