Cristiano Ronaldo achieved a historic milestone on September 5, 2024, by becoming the first male footballer in history to score 900 career goals.
This remarkable feat occurred during Portugal’s UEFA Nations League match against Croatia, where Ronaldo netted his 900th goal in the 34th minute, contributing to Portugal’s 2-1 victory.
In the match held at Estadio da Luz in Lisbon, Portugal initially took the lead with a goal from Diogo Dalot in the 7th minute.
Ronaldo’s landmark goal came shortly after, as he capitalized on a precise cross from Nuno Mendes, finishing with a close-range volley.
Following the goal, Ronaldo fell to his knees, visibly emotional and celebrating the momentous occasion.
This goal also marked his 131st international goal for Portugal, further solidifying his status as the all-time leading scorer for the national team.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Career Goals
Ronaldo’s 900 career goals are distributed across various clubs and international appearances:
- Sporting Lisbon: 5 goals
- Manchester United: 145 goals
- Real Madrid: 450 goals
- Juventus: 101 goals
- Al-Nassr: 68 goals
- Portugal: 131 goals
This tally showcases not only his longevity in the sport but also his consistent ability to perform at the highest levels of competition throughout his career.
Ronaldo’s achievement places him at the pinnacle of football’s all-time goal scorers. His closest rival, Lionel Messi, has recorded 859 goals, highlighting the significance of Ronaldo’s accomplishment.
The achievement is particularly impressive considering the competitive nature of modern football and the physical demands placed on players.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Reflection
After the match, Ronaldo expressed his feelings about reaching this milestone, stating, “It means a lot. It was a milestone I wanted to reach for a long time. I knew I would reach this number, because as I continue to play, it would happen naturally.” He emphasized the hard work and dedication required to achieve such a feat, noting the emotional weight of the moment.
Future Aspirations of Cristiano Ronaldo
At 39 years old, Ronaldo remains focused on extending his goal tally, expressing a desire to reach 1,000 career goals.
He mentioned that staying injury-free would be crucial to achieving this ambitious target, reflecting his ongoing commitment to the sport and his personal goals.
Ronaldo’s 900th goal not only marks a personal achievement but also cements his legacy in the annals of football history, inspiring future generations of players.
Also Read: Ballon d’Or Nominees Announced: Messi and Ronaldo Not in List
