Cristiano Ronaldo has scored his 110th international goal to overtake Iran’s Ali Daei as the top goal scorer in international football.
The newly signed Manchester United player’s record arrived in the 89th minute of Portugal’s World Cup qualifier against the Republic of Ireland. Goncalo Guedes swung in a cross from the right wing, with Ronaldo rising to meet the service and head home the record-breaking equaliser.
He added his 111th international goal in the sixth minute of stoppage time, leading his side to a 2-1 comeback win.
“This record is mine and it is unique,” Ronaldo said after the match. “I’m extremely happy and it’s another one for my career. It’s about motivation and the desire I have to continue playing football, also from this last contract I made, in which I was happy to return home. If we get up every day with the ambition to motivate and do better, to make the fans and our children happy, that is essential.
“It’s another record for the museum.”
Ronaldo drew level with Daei’s mark of 109 earlier this year at Euro 2020 with a two-goal performance in group-stage action against France. Both those goals in the 2-2 draw in Budapest came from the penalty spot.
Ronaldo also made Euro history when he scored twice in Portugal’s opening group-stage game against Hungary to become the tournament’s all-time leading scorer with 11 goals.
As far as many football pundits are concerned, he is the GOAT.
