September 10, 2025 | 10:50 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Portugal's national team star Cristiano Ronaldo has once again achieved a milestone by equaling the record for the most goals in World Cup qualifiers. He accomplished this feat after scoring a penalty goal in the dramatic 3-2 victory of Portugal over Hungary at Puskas Arena on Wednesday, September 10, 2025.
Portugal managed to come from behind to secure three crucial points in that match. According to FIFA's website, Ronaldo's penalty goal secured the victory and brought his total goals in World Cup qualifiers to 39, equaling the record held by Carlos Ruiz of Guatemala and surpassing his old rival, Lionel Messi, by three goals.
Despite being 40 years old, Ronaldo continues to prove his sharpness in Portugal's national team attack.
In the last two World Cup qualifier matches, the Al-Nassr star has scored three goals, bolstering the ambitions of Roberto Martinez's team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
So far, Ronaldo has scored 141 goals in 223 appearances for Portugal's national team. Throughout his career, he has collected 943 goals and is currently pursuing the extraordinary target of reaching 1,000 goals.
Ronaldo could set a new record when he returns to action next month as Portugal faces the Republic of Ireland and Hungary in the continuation of the World Cup qualifiers.
Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to continue adding to his goal tally to help Portugal secure a spot in the major tournament.
Top 10 Players with the Most Goals in World Cup Qualifiers:
1. Carlos Ruiz - 39 goals from 47 appearances
2. Cristiano Ronaldo - 39 from 49 appearances
3. Lionel Messi - 36 from 72 appearances
4. Ali Daei - 35 from 51 appearances
5. Robert Lewandowski - 32 from 41 appearances
6. Chris Wood - 29 from 31 appearances
7. Sardar Azmoun - 29 from 41 appearances
8. Luis Suarez - 29 from 64 appearances
9. Edin Dzeko - 29 from 41 appearances
10. Karim Bagheri - 28 from 29 appearances.
Editor's Choice: Cristiano Ronaldo Pays Emotional Tribute to Diogo Jota in Portugal Match
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