Cristiano Ronaldo has reached a historic milestone by scoring the 900th goal of his illustrious career during Portugal’s 2-1 victory against Croatia in their UEFA Nations League opener on Thursday.
The landmark goal came in the 34th minute of the match at the Estadio da Luz in Lisbon. Ronaldo capitalized on a precise cross from Nuno Mendes, tapping the ball into the net to give Portugal a 2-0 lead. This achievement adds another chapter to Ronaldo’s remarkable career, making him the first male player to reach 900 goals in official matches.
Portugal’s early dominance in the match was established by Diogo Dalot, who opened the scoring in the 7th minute with a shot set up by Bruno Fernandes. Croatia managed to reduce the deficit just before halftime, as Borna Sosa’s shot was inadvertently deflected into the net by Dalot. Despite a goalless second half, Portugal maintained their lead to secure the win.
Ronaldo’s career goal tally includes contributions from several top-tier clubs and the national team. He scored 450 goals for Real Madrid, 145 goals across two spells at Manchester United, 101 goals for Juventus, 68 goals for Al-Nassr, and 5 goals for Sporting CP. Additionally, his international career with Portugal boasts 131 goals.
Throughout his career, Ronaldo has been known for his versatility and skill, scoring with both feet and his head, as well as from free-kicks and penalties. His ability to adapt and excel at various stages of his career has cemented his status as one of football’s greatest players.
Ronaldo’s achievement comes after a challenging Euro 2024, where he was unable to score despite numerous attempts. This goal not only ends his drought but also reaffirms his critical role in the national team as they progress in the Nations League.
As Ronaldo continues to play at a high level, his next target appears to be reaching 1,000 career goals, a milestone that seems within reach given his current form and determination.
