Cristiano Ronaldo Becomes All-Time Top Scorer in World Cup Qualifiers

Cristiano Ronaldo etched his name deeper into football history on Tuesday night, becoming the all-time leading scorer in FIFA World Cup qualifiers with a clinical brace that propelled Portugal to a 2-1 halftime lead against Hungary at the Estádio da Luz. At 40 years old, the Al-Nassr forward's 41st qualifier goal not only silenced doubters about his international twilight but also underscored his unparalleled longevity in a sport that often chews up aging stars. The match, a crucial fixture in the UEFA qualifying group for the 2026 World Cup, saw Portugal claw back from an early deficit, with Ronaldo's strikes turning the tide in front of a raucous home crowd of over 65,000.

Ronaldo struck first in the 22nd minute, latching onto a pinpoint cross from Bruno Fernandes to volley home from close range, leveling the score at 1-1 after Hungary's Dominik Szoboszlai had opened the scoring from the penalty spot just seven minutes earlier. Undeterred, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner added his second in first-half stoppage time, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to slot past keeper Dénes Dibusz and send the hosts into the break ahead. These goals marked Ronaldo's 40th and 41st in World Cup qualifying campaigns, surpassing Guatemala's Carlos Ruiz, who held the previous record with 40 strikes across his international career. Ronaldo achieved this milestone in just 50 qualifier appearances, a testament to his ruthless efficiency—averaging better than 0.8 goals per game.

The records keep piling up for a player who defies the calendar. Ronaldo's brace also extended his international tally to a world-record 142 goals for Portugal, eclipsing the marks of legends like Iran's Ali Daei (109) and Hungary's Ferenc Puskás (84). Since debuting in 2003, Ronaldo has been Portugal's talisman through three World Cups, a Euro triumph in 2016, and the 2021 Nations League victory. Even after stepping away from European club football to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr in 2023, his national team form remains electric, with 14 goals in 2025 alone across competitions. Critics who questioned his selection post-Euro 2024 have been proven wrong, as Ronaldo's experience continues to mentor a golden generation including Fernandes, João Félix, and Rafael Leão.

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With this win, Portugal solidified their position atop Group B, now unbeaten in six qualifiers and firmly on course for direct qualification to the expanded 2026 tournament in North America. Hungary, chasing a playoff spot, must regroup after the break, but Ronaldo's heroics have shifted momentum decisively. As the second half unfolds, all eyes remain on the ageless icon, whose pursuit of perfection shows no signs of waning. For Ronaldo, each goal is not just a statistic but a chapter in an ongoing saga that inspires millions.

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