Cristiano Ronaldo has become the first player in football history to reach 900 goals in competitive fixtures.
Ronaldo scored the winner as Portugal beat Croatia 2-1 in the UEFA Nations League on Thursday evening, bringing up the latest milestone in a record-breaking career. The 39-year-old turned in Rafael Leao’s cross before setting off in celebration, having become the first man to achieve the feat.
Ronaldo’s goal was his 131st in 213 appearances for the Portuguese national team, each of which are records in men’s international football. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is also the all-time record goalscorer for Real Madrid and in the UEFA Champions League, while he has scored over a century of goals for both Manchester United and Juventus.
Last season, Ronaldo scored 50 goals in 51 appearances for Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr to win the league’s Golden Boot. Despite approaching his 40th birthday, Ronaldo said he remains committed to success for club and country.
“Portugal winning Euros is equivalent to winning a World Cup”, he said at full time.
“I’ve already won two trophies for Portugal that I really wanted. I’m not motivated by that. I’m motivated by enjoying football and the records come naturally.”
Ronaldo recently spoke of his desire to reach 1000 goals before retiring from football.
On his YouTube channel, Ronaldo told former Manchester United teammate Rio Ferdinand that he is already eyeing his 1000th career goal.
“I want to reach 1,000 goals. If I don’t have any injuries, this for me is the most important (thing), I want that,” Ronaldo said.
“For me, the best mark that I can have in football is to reach, first, 900 goals. After, my challenge is to be at 1,000 goals.”
