Ronaldo Scores 140th International Goal: Who Scores More or Less Than Ronaldo?
Cristiano Ronaldo scores 140th international goal, marking yet another milestone in his illustrious football career. This incredible achievement not only cements his position as one of the greatest goal scorers in the history of international football but also provides a perfect opportunity to explore where he stands relative to other top international goal scorers around the world. Let’s dive deeper into the stats behind his accomplishment and examine who has scored more or less than Ronaldo on the international stage.
The Remarkable Journey to 140 International Goals
Ronaldo’s journey to 140 international goals is a testament to his consistency, skill, and dedication. Making his debut for Portugal in 2003, the forward has been a relentless force in international competitions such as the UEFA European Championships, FIFA World Cup, and their respective qualifiers and friendlies. His scoring prowess has often been the driving factor behind Portugal’s successes, including their triumphant Euro 2016 and UEFA Nations League 2019 campaigns.
Reaching 140 goals places Ronaldo at the pinnacle of male international scoring charts, surpassing numerous legendary players over the decades. His ability to score from various positions on the pitch, combined with his physical fitness and mental toughness, has allowed him to maintain an exceptional goal-scoring rate well into his late 30s.
Who Scores More Than Ronaldo on the International Stage?
Despite Ronaldo’s phenomenal record, there is one player who has scored more international goals. That player is Ali Daei from Iran, who held the record for the highest international goal tally for many years.
- Ali Daei: The Iranian striker scored an unprecedented 109 international goals over his career, but recent records have updated his tally to 109, not more than Ronaldo’s current 140.
Actually, the current all-time leading international goal scorer surpassing Ronaldo is Bader Al-Mutawa, but since there is no public confirmation if he surpassed or not, this is more speculative.
In the men’s game, Ronaldo now leads the charts, but for female players, one name stands out whose scoring record far exceeds that of any male player:
- Christine Sinclair (Canada): She is widely regarded as the highest international goal scorer across both men’s and women’s football, with over 190 goals.
Thus, in men’s international football, Ronaldo currently holds the record for most goals scored, while Sinclair holds the ultimate record overall.
Players Who Have Scored Fewer International Goals Than Ronaldo
Many football legends and prolific strikers across the globe have scored fewer than Ronaldo’s 140 goals in international matches. Here are some notable examples:
- Lionel Messi: Ronaldo’s longtime rival, Messi had a remarkable international career for Argentina. As of recent records, Messi has scored over 100 goals but fewer than Ronaldo’s 140.
- Pelé: The Brazilian icon scored 77 international goals, setting a benchmark in his time that inspired generations.
- Miroslav Klose: The German striker scored 71 goals, making him one of the highest international scorers for Europe before retiring.
- Neymar Jr.: Brazil’s star forward, though prolific, has yet to catch up to Ronaldo’s 140-goal tally.
- Zlatan Ibrahimović: The Swedish powerhouse, known for his technique and charisma, has scored fewer than 70 goals internationally.
These comparisons highlight how extraordinary Ronaldo’s tally is, especially considering the competitive nature of modern international football and the fewer goals generally scored compared to club football.
Factors Behind Ronaldo’s Success
Several key factors have contributed to Ronaldo’s phenomenal international scoring record:
- Longevity: Ronaldo continues to perform at the highest level beyond the typical prime years of footballers, extending his international career well into his late 30s.
- Adaptability: He has adapted his style of play over the years, from a speedy winger to a clinical forward, allowing him to exploit different scoring opportunities.
- Work Ethic and Fitness: Ronaldo’s dedication to maintaining peak physical condition enables him to consistently outmatch defenders.
- Penalties and Free-Kicks: His proficiency in set-pieces has added to his goal count.
- International Competitions: Regular participation in European Championships, World Cups, and qualifiers provides ample opportunities to add to his tally.
What’s Next for Ronaldo?
While reaching 140 international goals is monumental, Ronaldo’s hunger for goals shows no sign of waning. As long as he continues to represent Portugal, he could potentially push his record even further, making it a benchmark that might stand for decades to come.
Portugal’s reliance on him as a key offensive weapon ensures that fans will continue to witness spectacular goals and memorable moments on the international stage.
Conclusion
Cristiano Ronaldo’s 140th international goal not only celebrates his personal achievement but also places him at the apex of male international goal-scorers. While some football legends have scored fewer goals, Ronaldo’s dedication and performance keep raising the bar. Whether or not he extends his record further, his impact on international football is undeniable and will be remembered as one of the greatest scoring feats in the history of the sport.
