Cristiano Ronaldo breaks all-time record to become history’s top goal scorer in World Cup qualifiers

Cristiano Ronaldo may have left Europe’s top leagues, but he remains a powerhouse with Portugal. His brace against Hungary set a new all-time scoring record for World Cup qualifiers, adding yet another milestone to his legendary football career.

Despite being a 40-year-old veteran, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to anchor Portugal’s team under coach Roberto Martinez. At the onset of the UEFA 2025 World Cup qualifiers, he has consistently found the back of the net, showing that age doesn’t define his extraordinary talent. An important goal against Hungary further solidified his position as the all-time leading scorer in World Cup qualifiers.

Carlos Ruiz, the iconic Guatemalan striker, held the World Cup qualifiers’ goal-scoring record for years with 39 goals. Cristiano Ronaldo, already having tied this milestone, broke it in stunning fashion by netting a crucial brace to cling 41 goals securing his place as the highest scorer in qualifier history and cementing his legacy as one of the game’s all-time greats.

After a disappointing performance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, many speculated that Cristiano Ronaldo would retire from the Portuguese national team. However, those speculations have proved unfounded. The seasoned star not only dismissed any notion of an early retirement, but he also continues to be Portugal’s standout offensive force. His enduring dominance keeps promising talent Gonçalo Ramos on the bench, as Ronaldo continues to top the team’s scoring charts.

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