Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 110th and 111th goals for Portugal in their dramatic 2-1 World Cup qualifying win over the Republic of Ireland, breaking the world record for goals scored in men’s international football.
After having a penalty saved by Gavin Bazunu, the 36-year-old scored two late headers to break and extend the record.
Ali Daei, who scored 109 goals for Iran between 1993 and 2006, was the previous record-holder, which Ronaldo matched with a double against France at Euro 2020.
With his 180th appearance for Portugal, the Manchester United attacker has equaled Sergio Ramos’ European record for men’s caps.
The world record – only ratified by Fifa this summer – is the 195 Malaysia caps won by Soh Chin Ann between 1969 and 1984.
Ronaldo, who rejoined United from Juventus on deadline day, and Daei are the only two male players to score 90 or more international goals.“I’m so happy, not only because I beat the record, but for the special moment that we had,” he told RTE. “Two goals at the end of the game. I have to appreciate what the team did, we believed until the end. I’m so glad.”
This is the latest landmark to push the argument for the Portuguese to be considered an all-time great.
He is already the top scorer in club football’s top tournament, the European Cup/Champions League, a trophy he has won five times.
The former Real Madrid forward is also the top scorer in European Championship history (14) and in Euros and World Cups combined (21).
