Cristiano Ronaldo: The Unstoppable Goal Machine
At 39 years old, Cristiano Ronaldo has added another milestone to his legendary career by becoming the first player in football history to score 900 goals across club and international matches. Ronaldo achieved this historic feat on September 6, during a UEFA Nations League game against Croatia, netting a goal in the 34th minute off a cross from Nuno Mendes.
Reflecting on the achievement, Ronaldo expressed pride in reaching such a significant milestone, calling it a moment that highlighted the hard work and dedication he has shown throughout his career.
Close behind Ronaldo on the all-time goal-scoring list is Lionel Messi, who has scored 859 career goals, followed by Austria’s Josef Bican with 805 goals, and Brazilian legend Romario with 772.
Ronaldo’s career has taken him to some of the world’s top football clubs, including Sporting Lisbon, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and currently, Al Nassr. Along the way, he has collected five Ballon d’Or awards and five Champions League titles. His goal-scoring prowess is unmatched: he has scored 450 goals for Real Madrid, 145 for Manchester United, 101 for Juventus, 68 for Al Nassr, and five for Sporting Lisbon, the club where his professional journey began at age 17. He also holds the record as the top scorer in international football, with 131 goals in 213 appearances for Portugal.
Let’s revisit some of Ronaldo’s most memorable goals throughout his career:
The First Breakthrough
Sporting Lisbon vs Moreirense, Liga Portugal – October 2002
Ronaldo made his mark as a young professional by scoring twice in a match against Moreirense, after a few goalless games for Sporting Lisbon, showing early signs of his remarkable ability.
Century Milestone
Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur, 2008
Ronaldo reached 100 career goals during his 300th match, converting a penalty against Tottenham’s goalkeeper Radek ÄŒerný, which further cemented his growing legacy.
Porto Stunner
Manchester United vs FC Porto, UCL Quarterfinals – 2009
Ronaldo stunned fans in the Champions League with a breathtaking long-range goal against Porto, striking from 40 yards out with incredible power and precision.
El Clasico Triumph
Real Madrid vs Barcelona, La Liga – 2012
In one of his defining moments with Real Madrid, Ronaldo scored the decisive goal in a 2-1 win over Barcelona at Camp Nou, helping his team clinch the La Liga title and delivering his iconic “Calma, Calma” celebration.
500-Goal Mark
Real Madrid vs Malmö FF, UCL Group Stage – 2015
Ronaldo celebrated his 500th career goal in a Champions League match against Malmö FF, showcasing his consistency and dominance over the years.
Spectacular Bicycle Kick
Juventus vs Real Madrid, UCL Quarterfinals – 2018
Ronaldo’s incredible bicycle kick against Juventus is considered one of the finest goals in Champions League history, earning applause even from the opposing fans for its sheer brilliance.
World Cup Heroics
Portugal vs Spain, FIFA World Cup – 2018
Ronaldo delivered a masterclass during the 2018 World Cup, scoring a hat-trick against Spain, including a dramatic last-minute free-kick that secured a 3-3 draw in a thrilling match.
Gravity-Defying Header
Juventus vs Sampdoria, Serie A – December 2019
Ronaldo stunned spectators with an extraordinary header against Sampdoria, leaping 2.56 meters in the air to score the winning goal, showcasing his remarkable athleticism even in his mid-30s.
750 Career Goals
Juventus vs Dynamo Kyiv, UCL – 2020
Ronaldo hit the 750-goal mark with a close-range finish against Dynamo Kyiv, continuing his relentless scoring streak and adding another milestone to his remarkable career.
With 900 goals and numerous records to his name, Cristiano Ronaldo’s place as one of football’s greatest players is undeniable. His career, spanning Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and now Al Nassr, demonstrates that age is no barrier to success when passion, dedication, and skill remain at the highest level.