Today marks Cristiano Ronaldo’s 39th birthday, so let’s take a look at his five key records.
“I don’t follow records; records follow me,” During his bittersweet second season at Manchester United, Cristiano Ronaldo dared to discuss his greatness. Monday marks the 39th birthday of Portugal’s legendary player, Ronaldo, who is renowned for shattering records and leading goal-scoring lists in the world of competitive football. During his illustrious tenures with Manchester United (English Premier League), Real Madrid (La Liga), and Juventus (Serie A), Ronaldo—one of the best players in the history of the beautiful game—supported several elite leagues.
In 2003, the standout player from Sporting departed for Old Trafford. When Ronaldo made his UEFA Euro 2004 debut against Greece, he scored a goal, earning him the nickname “CR7.” Five goals separate Ronaldo from Michel Platini, the second-highest goal scorer in the European Championship. At the UEFA Euro, Ronaldo has scored the most goals of any player (14) in history. Ronaldo holds the record for most goals scored in men’s football in both the FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro finals combined. Let’s quickly review the five significant records held by Real Madrid and Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo, who is currently enjoying his 39th birthday.
Hat-trick king!
Did you know? Ronaldo became the first player in men’s international football history to score ten hat-tricks. The Portuguese goal machine accomplished the incredible achievement when he scored his 10th hat-trick in Portugal’s 5-0 victory over Luxembourg in 2021. Ronaldo outperformed Sven Rydell, who had nine hat tricks in men’s international football.
Most international goals
Ronaldo beat Ali Daei when he scored goal number 110 in 2021. Ronaldo’s brace for Portugal helped him break Daei’s then-record of 109 goals. Ronaldo has scored more than 118 goals in international football. The Portugal legend made history by scoring twice against the Republic of Ireland in 2021.
Only player to score in 3 Champions League finals
One of the reasons Ronaldo is recognized as “Mr UEFA Champions League”. The former Real Madrid and Juventus player has scored three Champions League final goals. He holds the record for the most Champions League finals goals scored. Ronaldo has one goal for Manchester United and three for Real Madrid in the summit clashes.
Most Champions League goals
The Portugal captain is the all-time leading goal scorer in Europe’s premier club competition. Ronaldo has 140 goals to his name in the prestigious event. The veteran forward has won the prestigious trophy five times in his trophy-laden career. Ronaldo is also the Champions League’s most capped player. Ronaldo has made 183 appearances in the Champions League.
First player to reach 800 career goals.
Earlier, Ronaldo became the first player to score 800 goals for both club and country. The former Manchester United star accomplished the feat in November 2022. Ronaldo scored the historic goal during a Premier League encounter between the Red Devils and Arsenal. He also scored the winning goal for his team against Arsenal.
