In a thrilling EURO qualifier match against Iceland, Portugal’s captain Cristiano Ronaldo once again showcased his remarkable skills on the field, proving that age is no barrier to his prowess. Securing a 1-0 victory, Ronaldo’s sole goal on this momentous occasion marked a significant milestone as he became the first male footballer to achieve 200 international caps.
The 38-year-old icon seized the opportunity to score by expertly converting Goncalo Inacio’s header from close range. Initially disallowed due to an offside call against Inacio, the goal was later granted by the video assistant referee (VAR), much to the jubilation of Ronaldo and his teammates.
This remarkable feat further solidified Ronaldo’s position as the world’s leading goal scorer in international matches, as he reached an impressive total of 123 goals. In recognition of this extraordinary accomplishment, Ronaldo was presented with a certificate by Guinness World Records before the game, acknowledging his surpassing of Kuwait forward Bader Al-Mutawa’s previous record of 196 caps.
Ronaldo’s enduring commitment to the Portuguese national team is evident in his remarkable 20-year tenure, commencing with his international debut in 2003. Despite his departure from European football to join Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia after the World Cup, Ronaldo remains a vital and regular contributor to the squad. Throughout his illustrious career, which includes stints with Sporting Lisbon, Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, Ronaldo has proudly claimed the prestigious Ballon d’Or title five times.
Notably, Ronaldo’s fifth goal during the Euro 2024 qualifying campaign propelled Portugal to their fourth consecutive victory in as many games, highlighting his enduring impact on the team’s success. Meanwhile, Iceland, who have secured only one victory thus far, experienced a setback when Willum Willumsson received a red card for accumulating two bookings with 10 minutes remaining in the match.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s remarkable achievement of 200 international caps has etched his name in football history, a testament to his unrivaled talent, unwavering dedication, and everlasting legacy in the sport.
