Cristiano Ronaldo Makes History as First Men’s Player to Score 900 Official Goals

Cristiano Ronaldo continues to redefine football greatness, becoming the first men’s player in history to score 900 official goals. His latest achievement came during Portugal’s UEFA Nations League match against Croatia in Lisbon, where he netted a stunning volley in the 34th minute, putting Portugal 2-0 up in an eventual 2-1 win.

The milestone goal was the result of a well-executed cross from Nuno Mendes, with Ronaldo skillfully finishing from just 6 yards. His immediate celebration was filled with emotion as he dropped to his knees and raised his hands to his face.

“It means a lot,” Ronaldo shared after the match. “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.”

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, who has long been considered one of the greatest footballers of all time, reflected on the hard work that went into reaching this point. “It seems like any other milestone, but only I know, and the people around me, how hard it is to work every day, to be physically and psychologically fit, to score 900 goals. It’s a unique milestone in my career.”

Ronaldo’s remarkable feat places him 58 goals ahead of his closest competitor, Lionel Messi, who has scored 842 official goals. Behind Messi is Brazilian legend Pelé with 765 goals, a testament to Ronaldo’s unparalleled consistency and longevity in the sport.

This isn’t the first time Ronaldo has shattered records. In late 2021, he became the first player to break the 800-goal barrier while playing for Manchester United. His career has seen him dominate on every stage, scoring 769 goals across stints with Al Nassr, Manchester United, Sporting CP, Real Madrid, and Juventus. Additionally, his 131 international goals in 209 appearances are the most by any player, with Messi and former Iranian forward Ali Daei tied for second at 109 goals.

Despite nearing 40, Ronaldo shows no signs of slowing down. The Portuguese captain has made it clear that he has his eyes set on an even bigger target. “I want to reach 1,000 goals,” he told former teammate Rio Ferdinand. “If I don’t have any injuries, I believe I can reach that around the age of 41.”

What sets Ronaldo apart, he claims, is the fact that every one of his 900 goals has been captured on video, a distinction that differentiates him from past legends like Pelé and Alfredo Di Stéfano. “All the goals I have scored, they have video,” he said. “If you want more goals, I can bring them from training, too.”