Cristiano Ronaldo reached another historic milestone in Portugal’s win over Hungary. At 40, the forward became the all-time leading scorer in World Cup qualifying, with 41 goals. The number puts him ahead of Guatemala’s Carlos Ruíz, who held the record for more than a decade with 39. The achievement highlights the longevity of a player who, even nearing 41, remains decisive for Portugal’s national team and continues to chase a sixth World Cup appearance.
The qualifying record
The goal against Hungary took Cristiano to the top of a list that includes some of the biggest names in modern soccer history. Carlos Ruíz, known as “El Pescadito,” had been the leader with 39 goals in 47 World Cup qualifying matches for CONCACAF. A national idol, the Guatemalan is considered his country’s greatest player but never managed to play in a World Cup. Cristiano, on the other hand, now has 41 goals in 51 appearances and is aiming to reach the tournament for a sixth consecutive time — something that’s never been done before.
Behind Ronaldo in the rankings are Lionel Messi, with 36 goals in 72 matches, Ali Daei with 35 in 47, and Robert Lewandowski with 33 in 42. The list brings together forwards from different generations and regions, making the Portuguese star’s record even more impressive. Beyond leading the World Cup qualifying charts, Cristiano is also the top international scorer of all time, with 143 goals for Portugal.
The continuity of a unique career
Cristiano Ronaldo has now reached 948 official career goals, combining his time with clubs and the national team. The number is staggering not just for its size but for how long he’s stayed at the highest level. He’s played in five World Cups, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022, and is now looking to confirm his spot in the 2026 edition, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
His consistency over the years explains why Cristiano keeps breaking records in official competitions. At 40, he remains competitive and continues to be Portugal’s attacking reference. Every new milestone extends a career built on regularity and consistent performance, traits that have kept him among the biggest names in global soccer even after two decades at the top.
Cristiano Ronaldo has always treated numbers as a natural extension of his career. This new World Cup qualifying record is just another chapter in a long list of individual achievements, including top-scorer titles in the Euros, Champions League, and domestic leagues. Even as time goes by, he continues to show the same focus and discipline that took him to the top and keep him there.