Cristiano Ronaldo finally overtakes Alli Daei to become the outright international Men’s top scorer in the history of football after his brace against the Republic of Ireland took him to 110 and 111 international goals.
FARO, PORTUGAL – SEPTEMBER 01: Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United and Portugal reacts during the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifier match between Portugal and Republic of Ireland at Estadio Algarve on September 1, 2021 in Faro, Faro. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)
The new Manchester United man, who needed just a goal to pull clear of Daei’s record missed a first half penalty before Ireland took the lead on the stroke of half time through John Egan.
The lead lasted till the closing stages of the match but Ronaldo would have the last laugh as he restored parity in the 89th minute, before sealing the win deep into extra time.
The 36 year old was presented with the top scorer of the European Championship 2020 award before kick off finished the game with two goals, and thus becomes the international Men’s top scorer.
It was Cristiano Ronaldo’s 180th appearance for Portugal, and not many would have envisioned him coming this far when he scored his first against Greece in 2004, on his eighth international appearance for Portugal.
He has helped Portugal to their first major title with the 2016 European Championship crown and also helped them win the first edition of the UEFA Nations league in 2019.
Cristiano Ronaldo will forever be a name remembered in world football for his individual and collective achievements, in club and on the international stage.
Portugal now have 10 points from the opening four games in group A of the first round of European qualification for the next FIFA World Cup, having already won seven points in the three games, before the European Championships.
Afolabi Kehinde Hassan
