Cristiano Ronaldo, the star player for both Portugal and Al-Nassr, has once again made headlines by adding another record to his impressive resume with the Selecao’s 5-1 victory over Poland in the UEFA Nations League.
At 39 years old, Ronaldo remains a key figure for his national team, proudly wearing the captain’s armband for Roberto Martinez’s side during the match on Friday night. He delivered an outstanding performance, earning the man-of-the-match title. His unwavering commitment to the national team remains evident as he continues to make significant contributions on the field.
In this latest match, Ronaldo scored twice, including a spectacular bicycle kick that showcased his incredible skill and competitive nature. This performance played a crucial role in leading Portugal to a resounding win, with Rafael Leao, Pedro Neto, and Bruno Fernandes also getting on the scoresheet, highlighting the talent and depth of the Portuguese squad.
With this victory, Portugal has positioned itself six points clear at the top of League A Group 1, ensuring their place in the tournament’s quarter-finals. Moreover, Ronaldo’s achievements have added another remarkable chapter to his storied football career.
Ronaldo has now participated in 132 victories with the Portugal national team, setting a new record for the most senior international wins ever recorded by a male player. He has surpassed the former record held by his Real Madrid teammate Sergio Ramos, who was involved in 131 wins throughout his illustrious career with Spain.
Another Spanish legend, Iker Casillas, ranks third on this list, with 121 wins while representing Spain. However, given Ronaldo’s current form, he is set to extend his lead in this record for as long as he continues to wear the national jersey.
His two goals on Friday brought his total to 135 for the Portuguese national team and an impressive 910 career goals overall, having crossed the 900-goal mark for Portugal back in September. These significant achievements add to the extraordinary narrative of a player whose career has been filled with prolific success and numerous records.
Despite approaching his 40th birthday in less than three months, Ronaldo shows no signs of slowing down in the domestic arena, having netted 10 goals in 15 appearances for Al-Nassr this season.
Next on the agenda, Ronaldo and his teammates will face Croatia in a final Nations League match on Monday evening, which is expected to serve as preparation ahead of their upcoming quarter-final opponents in the tournament.
In light of any doubts surrounding Ronaldo’s continued value to the national team, especially following Portugal’s exit from Euro 2024, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner consistently silences critics by scoring goals. His ongoing performances reinforce his importance in the squad.
Known for his remarkable dedication to fitness and conditioning, the Portugal captain remains in exceptional form. He has not dismissed the possibility of playing in the 2026 World Cup, an appearance that would make him the first male player to participate in six World Cups.
By the time the next global tournament arrives, Ronaldo will be 41. He currently has a contract with Al-Nassr that extends until 2025, indicating that he will likely need to make a decision regarding his club future prior to any World Cup plans.
If the former Real Madrid star does compete in the 2026 edition, he will join a select few who have participated in five tournaments previously; he is currently among eight players to have achieved this feat. The only other active players who share this milestone are Ronaldo’s long-standing rival Lionel Messi and veteran Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, known for his impressive performances, especially during the 2014 World Cup. The football community will be keenly observing how Ronaldo manages this next phase of his illustrious career as he continues to achieve new records and inspire future generations of footballers.
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