Cristiano Ronaldo has done it again! The Portuguese superstar reached a monumental milestone of 900 professional career goals during Portugal’s match against Croatia in a UEFA Nations League showdown held in Lisbon. This incredible achievement further cements Ronaldo’s legacy as one of the greatest footballers in history, and it keeps the debate alive about who truly reigns supreme in world football, with Lionel Messi being his closest competitor, sitting at 838 goals.
On his new YouTube channel, Cristiano Ronaldo mentioned to ex-teammate Rio Ferdinand that he was aiming for his 1000th career goal. The soccer star joined YouTube recently and reached 20 million subscribers in 24 hours, setting a new record. The legend footballer said on his social media platform X,
“I dreamed of this, and I have more dreams. Thank you all!”
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner scored from close range following a well-timed cross by Nuno Mendes. Ronaldo skillfully directed the ball past Croatia’s goalkeeper, Livakovic.
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I dreamed of this, and I have more dreams. Thank you all! pic.twitter.com/2SS3ZoG2Gl
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) September 5, 2024
The Breakdown of Ronaldo’s 900 Goals
Cristiano Ronaldo’s journey to 900 goals has been a masterclass in consistency, versatility, and adaptability. Spanning over two decades, his goals have come across multiple clubs and countries, as well as an illustrious international career with Portugal. Here’s a detailed breakdown of his goals:
- Sporting CP (2002-2003)
Before Cristiano Ronaldo became a global icon, he scored 5 goals during his time at Sporting CP in Portugal, where he began his professional career as a teenager. - Manchester United (2003-2009, 2021-present)
Cristiano Ronaldo made his mark on the world stage at Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson, scoring 145 goals during his two stints with the club. His time in England helped shape him into one of the best players of his generation. - Real Madrid (2009-2018)
The peak of Ronaldo’s club career came during his years at Real Madrid, where he became the club’s all-time top scorer with an astonishing 450 goals. He helped the Spanish giants win multiple Champions League titles and La Liga trophies. - Juventus (2018-2021)
Ronaldo continued his remarkable career in Italy with Juventus, scoring 101 goals during his three seasons with the Serie A giants. His arrival in Italy only enhanced his global reputation and led Juve to multiple league titles. - Al-Nassr (2023-present)
Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr shocked the footballing world, but he’s continued his goal-scoring prowess there, with 56 goals (as of this latest milestone) since joining the Middle Eastern league. - Portugal National Team (2003-present)
One of Ronaldo’s most cherished achievements is his international career with Portugal. He has scored a record 143 goals for his country, becoming the all-time top international scorer in men’s football. He’s led Portugal to a European Championship (2016) and a UEFA Nations League title (2019).
What Makes Ronaldo So Special?
Champions League for being the all-time top scorer of the competition.
Few players in history have been able to adapt their game to different leagues, systems, and generations like Cristiano Ronaldo has. Starting as a flashy winger at Sporting and Manchester United, Cristiano Ronaldo developed into a prolific goal-scorer at Real Madrid, with his evolution into a clinical forward at Juventus and Al-Nassr. His physical fitness, unparalleled work ethic, and mental toughness have allowed him to extend his career well into his late 30s and continue playing at the highest level.
Ronaldo vs. Messi: The Ongoing Debate
While Ronaldo celebrates his 900th career goal, the football world keeps a close eye on his greatest rival, Lionel Messi. Messi, who has scored 838 goals, continues to chase Ronaldo’s tally. The rivalry between the two transcends football, sparking endless debates about who is truly the greatest of all time.
Messi, known for his playmaking and dribbling skills, has matched Ronaldo’s goal-scoring exploits despite being more of a creator. Both players have had illustrious careers, pushing each other to new heights and inspiring millions around the world. The race for the most goals, though, currently belongs to Ronaldo, who shows no signs of slowing down.
What’s Next for Ronaldo?
At 39 years old, Ronaldo continues to defy expectations. His body, which he has treated like a temple throughout his career, remains in peak condition, and he has made it clear that retirement is not in his plans anytime soon. With his 900th goal now in the books, many are wondering how far Cristiano Ronaldo can push his tally. Could he reach 1,000 career goals?
For now, Ronaldo’s focus remains on helping Portugal qualify for the 2024 European Championship and continuing his impressive form at Al-Nassr. Whether he continues playing for a few more years or defies even more records, one thing is clear: Cristiano Ronaldo’s legacy as one of football’s greatest legends is already secure.
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