Ronaldo Rewrites World Cup Qualifier History — See You in November

Record-Breaking Night in World Cup Qualifiers

Cristiano Ronaldo, the star of Al Nassr, celebrated a historic milestone by becoming the all-time top scorer in World Cup qualification history as Portugal defeated Hungary. He marked the moment with a post on X, sharing a photo in his Portugal jersey and expressing how much representing the national team means to him.

Ronaldo added that he is grateful to everyone who helped him reach this stage and that fans would see him again in November to seal the World Cup qualifying path. The night also saw him continue to write history by scoring a brace in the first half of the European qualifying match for the 2026 World Cup.

The Portugal captain started as usual in the starting XI, turning the tide after the visitors took an early lead and giving the hosts a 2-1 advantage before the break. The opener came from Ronaldo’s own effort in the 22nd minute, assisted by Nelson Semedo, with his second arriving in first-half stoppage time after a feed from Nuno Mendes.

New historic crown: the opener pushed Ronaldo to 40 goals in World Cup qualifying, breaking the previous tie with Guatemalan Carlos Ruiz. With the second, Ronaldo sat at 41 goals in this stretch, extending his dominance in the era’s qualifiers.

He moved clear of rival Lionel Messi, who sits in a distant third, with Ali Daei (35) and Robert Lewandowski (33) farther behind. Ronaldo’s continued excellence reinforces him as a defining figure in football history, especially for Portugal’s national team. His international career stretches beyond goals, including leadership in Euro 2016 and subsequent European competitions, marking him as one of the sport’s enduring icons.

Ronaldo is often cited for his longevity and ability to perform against a wide array of opponents—more than 45 national teams have felt his impact. His journey demonstrates perseverance and a relentless pursuit of excellence, even as age advances, keeping him at the heart of Portugal’s ambitions on the international stage.

While his numbers are celebrated, they also symbolize a winning mindset and a deep love for representing his country. Regardless of who finally challenges his crown in the future, Ronaldo’s legacy as one of the greatest scorers and leaders in national-team football is secure.

Stand up to criticism: despite his status, Ronaldo faces scrutiny about retirement as some voices argue the time has come to step back. Yet he responds on the pitch with goals, performances, and unwavering passion for both club and country.

New award: last week Ronaldo picked up the Globe Prestige Award during an international window, a recognition pushed by the Portuguese federation to honor symbols of Portuguese football. The prize is presented as a sign of prestige rather than a finale, underscoring the belief that Ronaldo’s career remains an ongoing chapter.

Family challenge: in remarks to press after receiving the prize, Ronaldo joked about his family’s push to retire, asking, “Why chase 1,000 goals when you’ve already scored 900?” He insisted he will keep performing at club and national levels and has no plans to quit. He closed by noting that the trophy represents pride and an extension of his journey, not an ending, as he continues to chase further milestones.

Punchline time: if goals were jokes, Ronaldo would be the headliner at a world tour—because his punchlines come with a built-in assist. Punchline two: he scores so often that even his shadows are booked as extra-time specialists.