Cristiano Ronaldo sets international scoring record

Cristiano Ronaldo set another record Wednesday. Press Association

Cristiano Ronaldo sets new men's all-time international scoring record

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 9/1/21

Cristiano Ronaldo is closing his summer out in style, as the 36-year-old who recently completed an emotional and unexpected return to English Premier League club Manchester United set another record Wednesday.

As ESPN noted, Ronaldo overtook Iran's Ali Daei as the men's all-time international goal scorer and, in the process, guided Portugal to a thrilling 2-1 comeback win over the Republic of Ireland in Wednesday's World Cup qualifier.

CR7, who notched his 100th international goal for Portugal last September, passed Daei and reached 110 tallies when he soared as only he can to head an equalizer past the goalkeeper in the 89th minute. Ronaldo outdid himself roughly six minutes later when he scored a similar header to propel Portugal to the victory and reach 111 career international goals.

"This record is mine and it is unique," Ronaldo said after the win. "I'm extremely happy and it's another one for my career. It's about motivation and the desire I have to continue playing football, also from this last contract I made, in which I was happy to return home. If we get up every day with the ambition to motivate and do better, to make the fans and our children happy, that is essential.

"It's another record for the museum."

Ronaldo very likely won't come close to matching the all-time international record of 186 goals held by Canadian forward Christine Sinclair, but he may hold onto the men's mark for some time. According to Ritabrata Banerjee of Goal.com, next on the men's list among active footballers is Ali Mabkhout of the United Arab Emirates and Argentina superstar Lionel Messi. Both are on 76 international goals.

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