Cristiano Ronaldo breaks record to become highest scoring men's international player
After missing a penalty it did not look to be Ronaldo's night as he played for Portugal against the Republic of Ireland. But two late goals saw him clinch the win and the record.
Thursday 2 September 2021 06:13, UK
Cristiano Ronaldo has become the highest scoring men's footballer in international competition.
The Portugal captain headed home two goals against the Republic of Ireland in a World Cup qualifier.
Going into the match the 36-year-old - who has just returned to Manchester United - was level with Iranian Ali Daei on 109 goals.
And after missing a penalty in the first half, it did not look to be Ronaldo's night at the Estadio Algarve.
His team then went a goal down, and could not seem to get past Ireland's Gavin Bazunu despite numerous chances.
But Ronaldo drew Portugal level and secured the record with a header in the 89th minute.
He added another headed goal in stoppage time, wheeling away with his top stripped off in celebration as he clinched the win.
The forward now has 111 goals in international football.
He is followed by Daei with 109, Malaysia's Mokhtar Dahari with 89, Hungary's Ferenc Puskas with 84, Zambia's Godfrey Chitalu with 79, Iraq's Hussein Saeed with 78, Brazil's Pele with 77 and Lionel Messi with 76.
Of these, only Messi is still playing.
Speaking after the game, Ronaldo said: "I'm so happy, not only for the record but for the special moments with two goals at the end.
"It was so tough, but we have to appreciate what the team did, they and the fans believed until the end of the game."
Ronaldo's next match was supposed to be Portugal's clash with Azerbaijan in Baku on Tuesday.
However, his booking for removing his shirt means he misses that game.
The player is due to make the first appearance of his second spell at Manchester United against Newcastle the following Saturday.