Kathmandu: In a momentous achievement for the world of football, Cristiano Ronaldo netted the 900th goal of his remarkable career during Portugal’s UEFA Nations League match against Croatia on Thursday. The iconic forward tapped in a volley from a precise Nuno Mendes cross in the 34th minute, securing a 2-1 victory for Portugal in the group stage clash.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner celebrated the milestone goal with visible emotion, spreading his arms as he sprinted toward the corner of the pitch before dropping to the ground with his hands on his face. This goal also marked Ronaldo’s 131st for the Portuguese national team, extending his record for the most international goals in football history.

In addition to his extraordinary international tally, Ronaldo’s club career includes 769 goals across some of the world’s top football clubs. With this latest feat, the 38-year-old becomes the first men’s player in history to score 900 goals in official matches, solidifying his legacy as one of football’s greatest.

Ronaldo’s long-time rival, Lionel Messi, follows with 842 goals, while Brazilian football legend Pelé ranks third with 765 goals, according to ESPN statistics.

Ronaldo’s illustrious career is further highlighted by his all-time record of 141 goals in the UEFA Champions League, a competition where he has lifted the trophy five times. His club journey began at Sporting CP, followed by a successful six-season stint with Manchester United starting in 2003. After joining Real Madrid, Ronaldo scored an incredible 450 goals in 438 matches over nine years. He then spent two years at Juventus before returning to Manchester United in 2021, prior to joining Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr in 2023.

This latest accomplishment adds another chapter to Ronaldo’s legacy, with his relentless pursuit of excellence continuing to inspire football fans around the world.