The incredible Cristiano Ronaldo international record was sealed as he scored a brace for Portugal against Ireland to make him the highest goalscorer ever in the history of international football.
Incredible Cristiano Ronaldo to the Rescue Against Republic of Ireland
Record Breaker
Ex-Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo scored a sensational headed brace late in the day to drag Portugal from the brink of defeat in their 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier against the Republic of Ireland. The match ended 2-1 to Portugal as Ronaldo claimed the record for the most prolific goalscorer in the history of international football. The Manchester United forward’s brace took him to 111 goals, two more than the 109 scored by Iran’s Ali Daei between 1992 and 2006.
Captain Fantastic Saves Portugal from World Cup Qualifying defeat
Having won the award for the highest goalscorer with his tally of five goals at Euro 2020 prior to kickoff, Ronaldo needed just one goal to become the all-time top scorer in international football. His first chance came in the opening 15 minutes after Portugal were awarded a penalty for a foul on Bruno Fernandes. Ronaldo blew the chance to open the scoring for as he saw his spot kick saved by 19-year-old goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu.
John Egan headed the Republic of Ireland in front on the cusp of half-time and Ronaldo waited patiently for his chance to bail Portugal out. He was duly rewarded when he rose highest to head home a sublime cross from Valencia winger Goncalo Guedes in the 89th minute. Six minutes later, the Portugal captain scored his and his team’s second from a similar position with , Joao Mario the provider. He pulled off his shirt and performed his trademark goal celebration to mark his record-breaking feat as he became the highest goalscorer ever in international football.
Ronaldo’s International Record
Ronald scored his 111 goals for Portugal within a 17-year span. His first goal came against Greece in the opening game of Euro 2004. He has made 180 senior appearances for the Selecao and has scored against 45 different opponents in the colours of Portugal. He has scored more than one goal against each of Lithuania, Sweden, Andorra, Hungary, Luxembourg, Armenia, Latvia, Faroe Islands, Estonia, Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, Northern Ireland, Russia, Denmark, Spain, Cyprus, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Bosnia, Cameroon, Czech Republic, Kazakhstan, Republic of Ireland, Azerbaijan and France. He added one goal each against Ecuador, Ghana, Morocco, New Zealand, North Korea, Panama, Wales, Argentina, Greece, Iran, Slovakia, Ukraine, Finland, Iceland, Israel, Croatia, Poland, Germany and Serbia.
Ronaldo’s Favourite Opponents
Ronaldo scored his 10th goal for Portugal against Saudi Arabia in 2006 and his 20th against Kazakhstan in 2007. He scored his 50th goal against Ghana in the 2014 World Cup and his 100th against Sweden in September 2020.
Ronaldo ’s favourite opponents are Lithuania and Sweden, both of whom he has scored seven goals against, followed by Andorra, Hungary and Luxembourg with six goals. The 36-year-old has scored 49 goals in his last 47 appearances for Portugal. Euro 2020 saw him becoming the all-time top scorer in European Championship history as his five goals took him to 14 goals.
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