Manchester United and Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo has set a new world record. He broke the world record for men’s international football goals after scoring 110th and 111th goals for Portugal in their dramatic 2-1 2022 World Cup qualifying win over the Republic of Ireland.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored two late headers to help his said win their World Cup qualifier clash against the Republic of Ireland. The goals mean he has now broken Ali Daei’s record as the highest number of international destinations. He had his penalty saved by Ireland goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu.
Ali Daei, who scored 109 goals for Iran between 1993 and 2006, held the record. Ronaldo equalled a double against France at Euro 2020. The 36-year-old Manchester United new forward has also equalled Sergio Ramos’ European record for men’s caps with his 180th Portugal appearance.
The world record only ratified by Fifa this summer is the 195 Malaysia caps won by Soh Chin Ann between 1969 and 1984. Cristiano Ronaldo, who rejoined United from Juventus on deadline day, and Daei are the only two male players to score 90 plus international goals.
Speaking of his new record, he said: “I’m so happy, not only because I beat the record, but for the special moment that we had,” he told RTE. The former Real Madrid player also said: “Two goals at the end of the game. I have to appreciate what the team did. We believed until the end. I’m so glad.”
This is the latest landmark to push the argument for the Portuguese to be considered an all-time great. He is already the top scorer in club football’s top tournament, the European Cup/Champions League, a trophy he has won five times.
He is also the top scorer in European Championship history (14) and in Euros and World Cups combined (21). Almost half of Ronaldo’s goals have come in the final 30 minutes of games. He scored 33 goals in the final 15 minutes, including twice against the Irish and 22 times between the 61st and 75th.
| What tournaments have they come in? |
|---|
| 33 – World Cup qualifiers |
| 31 – European Championship qualifiers |
| 19 – International friendlies |
| 14 – European Championship |
| 7 – World Cup |
| 5 – Uefa Nations League |
| 2 – Confederations Cup |
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