Cristiano Ronaldo becomes the all-time highest goalscorer in men’s international football

Cristiano Ronaldo on Wednesday became the highest scorer in international men’s football during Portugal’s World Cup qualifier win over Ireland. Ronaldo scored his 110th goal in the 89th minute to move ahead of former Iranian striker Ali Daei.

“I’m very happy, not only because I beat the record but for the special moments that we had. Two goals at the end of the game is so tough, but I have to appreciate what the team did. We believed until the end.” Ronaldo said

Ronaldo is currently tied at ninth position with Alex Morgan on all-time international goalscorers list

The only two men to score more than 100 goals for their countries are Ronaldo and Daei. The Portuguese forward has taken 180 matches to get to the tally of 110 goals. Ali Daei had netted 109 goals in 149 appearances for Iran from 1993-2006. Ronaldo is currently tied for ninth on the all-time list with the United States’ Alex Morgan.

Ronaldo made his debut for the national team in 2003. The 36-year-old’s first international goal came at Euro 2004 in his home country against Greece. Ronaldo’s only title with Portugal came at Euro 2016. He is also the all-time leading scorer at the European Championships (11) and Champions League (134) competitions. The most prolific scorer in international football is 38-year-old Christine Sinclair of Canada, who scored her 187th goal at the Tokyo Olympics where she won gold last month.

“From all the records that I have broken during my career – and fortunately there have been a few – this one is very special for me and it’s certainly on the shelf of the achievements that make me truly proud. Thank you, Portugal. Thanks to all my teammates and opponents for making this journey so unforgettable. Let’s keep meeting inside the pitch in the years to come. I’m not closing the count just yet…” Ronaldo wrote on Instagram after his latest feat

The 36-year-old, had a frustrating start to the match as he missed to convert a penalty in the 15th minute. Ireland didn’t let Ronaldo going throughout the match but he later finds his way in the final minutes of the game. Ireland took the lead in the 45th minute. But Ronaldo’s late heroics saved the match for his team and Irish fans suffered heartbreak in the world qualifier match.

Top 10 men’s international goalscorers of all-time