Ronaldo currently has 38 World Cup qualifying goals, just one behind the record held by Carlos Ruiz, the former Guatemala international who retired in 2016.
According to O Jogo, Ronaldo surpassing Ruiz is within reach and could happen as early as today when Portugal faces Hungary in their second Group F match. Portugal has 4 more matches in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers: two against the Republic of Ireland, one against Armenia, and the return fixture against Hungary.
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Ronaldo celebrates a goal during Armenia's 0-5 defeat to Portugal in a World Cup qualifier on 6/9. Photo: EPA |
Ronaldo celebrates a goal during Armenia's 0-5 defeat to Portugal in a World Cup qualifier on 6/9. Photo: EPA
Lionel Messi is third on the list with 36 goals. It's unlikely Messi will challenge Ronaldo and Ruiz's records. Argentina has only one remaining 2026 World Cup qualifier against Ecuador on 9/9. Furthermore, Messi may retire from international football next year.
Ronaldo also holds the record for most international goals with 140. Many of these goals have come from assists by 39 teammates. Joao Moutinho and Ricardo Quaresma lead with eight assists each, followed by Diogo Jota, Nani, and Bernardo Silva with six each.
In his last 10 appearances for Portugal, Ronaldo has scored in eight matches, totaling 10 goals. Notably, he has scored in his last four matches: against Denmark, Germany, and Spain in the Nations League quarterfinals, semifinals, and final, respectively, and twice against Armenia in the World Cup qualifiers. At 40, Ronaldo is still playing at a high level.
Today, 9/9, Ronaldo and his teammates will play an away game against Hungary, a team that holds special memories for him. In 2016, Ronaldo scored twice in a 3-3 draw against Hungary, a vital step towards winning the Euro. He also scored twice in a 3-0 victory against Hungary in the group stage of the following tournament.
Ronaldo's ultimate goal is to win the World Cup. If Portugal qualifies, he will have another opportunity next June at the finals in the US, Mexico, and Canada.
Ronaldo has played in the 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022 World Cups. His best result was reaching the semifinals in 2006 in Germany.
Thanh Quy (via Sapo)
