Cristiano Ronaldo becomes 1st man to score 900 goals

Cristiano Ronaldo has made history as the first male player ever to score 900 goals in official matches, reaching this landmark during Portugal’s UEFA Nations League game against Croatia in Lisbon on Thursday.

Ronaldo achieved the historic goal with a volley from six yards out, following a cross from Nuno Mendes, putting Portugal ahead 2-0 in the 34th minute. Portugal eventually won the match 2-1.

“It means a lot,” Ronaldo commented. “This was a milestone I have aspired to for a long time. I always knew I would reach this number because, as I keep playing, it would come naturally.”

During the celebration, Ronaldo raised his hands to his face and dropped to his knees.

“It was emotional because it’s a milestone,” he explained. “It might seem like just another milestone to some, but only I, and those close to me, understand how difficult it is to maintain physical and psychological fitness every day to score 900 goals. It’s a unique achievement in my career.”

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is 58 goals ahead of his closest rival, Lionel Messi, who has 842 goals. Brazilian icon Pelé is third with 765 goals. Ronaldo was also the first to surpass the 800-goal mark, achieving that feat in late 2021 during his second stint with Manchester United.

Ronaldo’s 131 international goals in 209 appearances is also a record. Messi, who is second on this list, has 109 goals, tied with former Iran forward Ali Daei.

In addition to his stints with Al Nassr and Manchester United, Ronaldo has scored his 769 club goals for Sporting CP, Real Madrid, and Juventus.

At 39, Ronaldo has made it clear that he has no plans to slow down anytime soon. He recently expressed his ambition to reach 1,000 goals, projecting that he could achieve this milestone around the age of 41, provided he stays injury-free. “If I avoid injuries, reaching 1,000 goals is my next goal,” he told his former Manchester United teammate Rio Ferdinand for his YouTube channel. “Reaching 900 was the first major milestone, and now my challenge is to hit 1,000 goals.”

Ever competitive, Ronaldo was quick to highlight what distinguishes his record from those of other footballing legends like Pelé and Alfredo Di Stéfano, who played in eras with less video coverage.

“Every goal I have scored is on video,” Ronaldo said. “All of them have video evidence. I respect players like Pelé and Di Stéfano. If more goals were needed, I could provide footage from training sessions too. I don’t care about comparisons or preferences. My focus is on my own achievements.”