Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo added another record to his illustrious career by becoming the all-time leading goalscorer in FIFA World Cup qualifying history during his side’s clash against Hungary on Wednesday.
Ronaldo breaks long-standing record
The 40-year-old forward struck twice in the first half to take his tally to 41 World Cup qualifying goals, surpassing retired Guatemalan striker Carlos Ruiz, who held the previous record of 39 goals scored between 1998 and 2016.
Ronaldo’s first goal came in the 22nd minute when he finished neatly from a Nelson Semedo cross to level the score. The veteran then doubled his tally before half-time, capitalising on a Nuno Mendes assist to give Portugal a 2-1 lead heading into the break.
Adding to an unmatched legacy
With the brace, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner extended his extraordinary international record, which already includes being the world’s all-time leading men’s goalscorer and Portugal’s most capped player.
Currently playing for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo continues to defy age and expectations, remaining a central figure in Portugal’s 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.
Top three goalscorers in World Cup qualifiers
- Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) – 41 goals
- Carlos Ruiz (Guatemala) – 39 goals
- Lionel Messi (Argentina) – 36 goals