Ronaldo breaks another record

Cristiano Ronaldo has broken many a record in his time as a professional soccer player, and no one was surprised when he set another record last night in Portugal's game against Ireland. With his 110th and 111th strike for the team, he surpassed Ali Daei's record for most international goals. The 36-year old has scored double the amount of any other Portugal player in history.

This record is one of many for the Portuguese star, some of which will be a real challenge to break again. Along with his new record of more international goals than any other player in history, Ronaldo has also scored more against international sides of any player (45). He holds the record for international hat-tricks (nine) and is the first soccer player to play five European Championships (2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2020/21). Unsurprisingly, he scored in every single one. With his appearances at the World Cup, Confederations Cup, and Nations League, Ronaldo is the only player to make the have scored in 12 consecutive international tournaments.

In the Champions League, Ronaldo has struck 134 times and is 14 goals clear of rival Lionel Messi in the all-time list. He has five final wins in the Champions League, more than any other player, 67 goals in the knockout stages, and holds the single-season scoring record. His number of assists has yet to be beaten either with a whopping total of 42.

Goalscoring Records

Ronaldo also holds the record for most competitive goals scored. In the Juventus win at the Supercoppa Italiana final in January, he scored his 760th strike of his career, surpassing Josef Bican (759 in 495 appearances, 1931-35). That number has since grown to 785 and will just keep going. He scored most of those goals for Real Madrid and is their all-time top socrer with 451, 128 more than the previous record holder. Also with Real Madrid, Ronaldo accomplished something no other soccer player has in history: he breached the half-century barrier for seven consecutive seasons between 2011 and 2017. He's the only player to score 50 goals or mote in the Premier League, LaLiga, and Serie A and lifted the title in each country.

This most recent record was not shocking to anyone, least of all Portugal head coach Fernando Santos. "It was going to happen anyway," Fernando said. "If there were eight, nine, or ten goals to break the record, maybe we would question if he could get it or not, but needing just one goal, if not today, it would have happened on any other day."

As for Cristiano Ronaldo himself, he's also taking the record in stride. "Well, this record...I'm not overwhelmed," he said. "It's a good record, but more important than this is to win back-to-back Euros."