Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates his 900th career goal during Portugal’s Nations League victory over Croatia. © @brfootball
Cristiano Ronaldo, one of football’s greatest icons, has just added another incredible achievement to his legendary career by scoring his 900th goal. This landmark was reached during Portugal’s Nations League clash against Croatia, where Ronaldo’s strike helped secure a 2-0 victory for his national team. The 39-year-old forward celebrated emotionally, dropping to his knees by the corner flag, visibly moved by the moment’s significance.
Ronaldo’s goal marked his 131st for Portugal, a national record that further cements his place as one of the greatest ever to play. With goals scored at the highest level of club and international football, Ronaldo’s milestone is a testament to his unmatched skill, longevity, and dedication to the sport.
Ronaldo’s Career Goals by Club and Country
Cristiano Ronaldo’s journey to 900 goals spans over two decades, with an astonishing scoring record across five clubs and his national team. Here’s a detailed breakdown of his career goals:
| Team | Goals |
|---|---|
| Al-Nassr | 68 |
| Juventus | 101 |
| Manchester United | 145 |
| Portugal | 131 |
| Real Madrid | 450 |
| Sporting CP | 5 |
| Total: | 900 |
Ronaldo’s prolific scoring ability is unmatched, with an average of 0.74 goals per game across his entire career. Remarkably, nearly half of these goals (437) were scored after Ronaldo turned 30, underscoring his extraordinary fitness and ability to adapt his game as he aged.
Ronaldo vs The Greats: Is He the Top Scorer Ever?
The debate about the greatest goal scorer in football history often includes names like Pele, Romario, and Lionel Messi. However, regarding official goals scored in competitive matches, Cristiano Ronaldo has firmly established himself at the top.
Cristiano Ronaldo: 900 goals (official)
Lionel Messi: 867 goals (official as of September 2024)
Pele: 778 goals (official, excluding friendlies)
Romario: 785 goals (official, excluding friendlies)
While legends like Pele and Romario have claimed to score over 1,000 goals, these figures include friendlies and less competitive matches. Ronaldo’s 900 goals, however, have been scored in top-tier competitions, making his record arguably the most impressive in the sport’s history.
The Next Goal: Ronaldo Aims for 1,000
Despite reaching 900 goals, Ronaldo’s hunger for success hasn’t waned. In an interview with former Manchester United teammate Rio Ferdinand, Ronaldo expressed his ambition to reach the 1,000-goal mark before he hangs up his boots.
“I want to reach 1,000 goals,” Ronaldo said confidently. “If I stay injury-free, I believe I can achieve this in the next couple of years. The drive to continue breaking records is what keeps me going.”
At 39, Ronaldo knows that time is not on his side, but his remarkable physical condition and passion for the game suggest he could continue playing at the highest level into his 40s. While speculation abounds about whether Ronaldo will feature in the 2026 World Cup, the Portuguese star remains focused on enjoying his football and letting the records follow naturally.
Ronaldo’s Legacy: A Legend Who Keeps Growing
Cristiano Ronaldo’s 900th goal is a personal achievement and a landmark moment in football history. As he continues to defy age and expectations, Ronaldo’s legacy as one of the greatest players ever is secure. His journey from a teenager at Sporting CP to a global icon at Real Madrid, Manchester United, Juventus, and now Al-Nassr is a story of hard work, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to be the best.
With 900 goals and counting, Ronaldo’s name will forever be etched in the annals of football history. As he sets his sights on 1,000 goals, fans around the world will be watching to see just how much more this extraordinary athlete can achieve.
