Cristiano Ronaldo: A Record-Breaking Legacy in Portuguese Colors
Cristiano Ronaldo may currently be dazzling fans in Saudi Arabia with Al Nassr, but his heart remains firmly tied to his roots in Portugal. The 39-year-old football icon continues to make headlines, not just for his club performances but for his remarkable achievements while donning the Portuguese national jersey. As of June 2023, Ronaldo reached a significant milestone by playing his 200th match for Portugal, solidifying his status as the player with the most international appearances in men’s football history.
The Record Holder: International Appearances and Goals
Ronaldo’s illustrious career is marked by a plethora of records, but none shine brighter than his international achievements. He holds the record for the most international goals scored by a male footballer, with an astonishing tally of 132 goals in 214 appearances for Portugal. This record was previously held by Iran’s Ali Daei, which Ronaldo surpassed in September 2021 during a match against the Republic of Ireland, where he netted two goals to etch his name in the history books.
While Ronaldo’s achievements are monumental, he is not without competition. Lionel Messi, his long-time rival and fellow footballing great, is just three years younger and has the potential to challenge Ronaldo’s records if he continues to play through the 2026 World Cup and beyond. Messi recently joined the exclusive club of players with over 100 international goals, currently sitting at 109 goals in 187 matches for Argentina.
Recent Performances: A Testament to Endurance
Ronaldo’s recent performances have been nothing short of spectacular. In a friendly match against the Republic of Ireland, he showcased his enduring talent with a stunning left-footed goal, contributing to Portugal’s victory. This performance served as a reminder that despite his age, Ronaldo remains a formidable force on the pitch. His goal-scoring prowess was further highlighted in September 2024 when he scored his 900th career goal during a UEFA Nations League match against Croatia, a feat that only a handful of players have achieved.
The Race for International Goals: Current Standings
As of October 4, 2024, the race for the most international goals in men’s football is as follows:
| Player | Country | Goals | Caps | Years Active |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cristiano Ronaldo* | Portugal | 132 | 214 | 2003 — Present |
| Ali Daei | Iran | 109 | 148 | 1993-2006 |
| Lionel Messi* | Argentina | 109 | 187 | 2005 — Present |
| Sunil Chhetri* | India | 94 | 151 | 2005 — Present |
| Mokhtar Dahari | Malaysia | 89 | 142 | 1972-1985 |
| Ali Mabkhout* | UAE | 85 | 115 | 2009 — Present |
| Romelu Lukaku* | Belgium | 85 | 119 | 2010 — Present |
| Ferenc Puskas | Hungary | 84 | 89 | 1945-1956 |
| Robert Lewandowski* | Poland | 84 | 154 | 2008 — Present |
| Godfrey Chitalu | Zambia | 79 | 111 | 1968-1980 |
| Neymar* | Brazil | 79 | 128 | 2010 — Present |
*Denotes active player
The Women’s Game: A Different Landscape
While Ronaldo and Messi continue to chase their records, the landscape of women’s international football presents a different challenge. The top scorer in women’s international football is Canada’s Christine Sinclair, who has amassed an incredible 190 goals in 328 appearances over her 23-year career. This record is a testament to the longevity and skill of female athletes, showcasing the growing prominence of women’s football on the global stage.
The top ten women’s international goal scorers as of October 4, 2024, are as follows:
| Player | Country | Goals | Caps | Years Active |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Christine Sinclair | Canada | 190 | 328 | 2000-2023 |
| Abby Wambach | USA | 184 | 255 | 2001-2015 |
| Mia Hamm | USA | 158 | 276 | 1987-2004 |
| Maysa Jbarah* | Jordan | 137 | 133 | 2005 — Present |
| Carli Lloyd | USA | 134 | 315 | 2005-2021 |
| Kristine Lilly | USA | 130 | 354 | 1987-2010 |
| Birgit Prinz | Germany | 128 | 214 | 1994-2011 |
| Alex Morgan* | USA | 123 | 224 | 2010 — Present |
| Marta* | Brazil | 119 | 200 | 2002 — Present |
| Julie Fleeting | Scotland | 116 | 121 | 1996-2011 |
*Denotes active player
The Future of International Football
As the footballing world looks ahead to the 2026 World Cup, the question remains: how much longer can Ronaldo and Messi continue to break records? With their unparalleled talent and dedication to the sport, fans can expect to witness more incredible moments from these legends. The race for international goals is far from over, and as both players continue to defy age, the excitement surrounding their careers remains palpable.