After Diogo Dalot’s seventh-minute opener, 39-year-old Ronaldo bagged the 131st goal for Portugal and the 900th of his illustrious career as he swept home Nuno Mendes’ perfect cross on Thursday night at Estadio da Luz. The Al-Nassr star cut an emotional figure after firing the ball into the net, before a Dalot own-goal reduced Croatia’s arrears shortly before half-time.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Ronaldo will go down as one of the greatest footballers of all time. Apart from the World Cup, he has won every major trophy available to him in a glittering career that has included spells with Real Madrid, Manchester United, Juventus, and more. And despite approaching 40, he is still proving his worth for club and country.
Ronaldo, who featured for Portugal in their run to the Euro 2024 quarter-finals this summer, left United for Saudi Pro League team Al-Nassr at the start of 2023 and since then the former Sporting Lisbon ace has scored a remarkable 68 goals in 74 matches in all competitions.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s 900 career goals:
⚽️ 450 for Real Madrid
⚽️ 145 for Man United
⚽️ 131 for Portugal
⚽️ 101 for Juventus
⚽️ 68 for Al Nassr
⚽️ 5 for Sporting
LEGENDARY 🐐👑
After this Nations League match against Croatia, Portugal will face Scotland on Sunday night. It remains to be seen if national boss Roberto Martinez will rest Ronaldo or start the veteran for the weekend encounter.
GOAL.COM
