Football’s greatest goal scorer
On 23 June 2021, 17 years and 11 days after scoring his first senior goal for Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo equaled the world record for the most international goals by a male footballer when he netted twice during the Seleção’s 2–2 UEFA European Championship group stage draw with France.
Upon netting his second goal of the night against the world champions, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner drew level with Ali Daei on the all-time scorers’ list with 109 international goals in 179 appearances, which saw him match the previously insurmountable record that had stood since March 2006.
Ronaldo was ultimately unable to claim the record outright during Euro 2020 after Portugal, who were reigning champions, were eliminated by Belgium in the Round of 16, but took his place next to the former Iran striker in the all-time standings after scoring five goals across his nation’s three group stage matches, which included strikes against Germany, France, and Hungary.
His relentless pursuit of goals
