It is true that, although many may think otherwise, there are still records that Cristiano Ronaldo has not managed to break. What happened yesterday will remain etched in the memories of many, as he has become the first European footballer to score 100 goals for his national team. In his own words, speaking to RTP, the striker confessed: “Obviously, having reached the 100-goal mark with two brilliant goals, I’m very happy. The future belongs only to God. I feel privileged to play alongside these players. The manager already knows me; there are no words.”
With his two fantastic goals yesterday against Sweden in a UEFA Nations League match, Cristiano Ronaldo not only surpassed the 100-goal mark for the Portuguese national team, but also moved to within just nine goals of Ali Daei, the legendary striker for the Iranian national team and Bayern Munich, who currently still holds the all-time record for international goals for his national team: 110 goals.
Cristiano Ronaldo's career with the Portugal national team
Widely regarded as one of the best and most complete footballers on the planet and of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo has been named the world’s best player by FIFA and France Football, having won the Ballon d’Or on five occasions: 2008, 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2017. Other honours in the Portuguese player’s collection include four UEFA Golden Boots, three UEFA Best Player in Europe awards and one UEFA Best Club Player award.
The current Juventus player’s international career with Portugal began in the 2001/02 season, when he played for the Under-17s. Barely two years passed between then and his debut for the senior side, as it was in 2003 that the Sporting CP academy graduate made his debut in a friendly against Kazakhstan, a match Portugal won 1–0. From that match until his breakthrough at Euro 2004 as an international star, the player also racked up appearances for the Under-21 and Under-23 teams.
His first goal came at Euro 2004, in the group stage match against Greece, who went on to win the tournament. Since then and up until yesterday’s match, Cristiano Ronaldo has now played 165 international matches and scored 101 goals, during one of the finest periods in the history of the Portuguese national team, which has not missed a single major tournament since 2000.
From European Championships to World Cups, via the Confederations Cup and UEFA’s most recent competition, the Nations League, Ronaldo has produced performances ranging from unremarkable to outstanding, with some truly memorable goals. Added to this are the national team’s two major titles: Euro 2016 and the 2019 Nations League.
He may have his critics both at home and abroad, but the reality is that Cristiano Ronaldo is a shining example of perseverance and of how hard work can help you achieve your dreams and change your life. As far as his commitment to his country is concerned, he is undoubtedly the player who has done the most to raise Portugal’s profile to the very highest level.
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