Global football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has once again rewritten the history books, achieving a monumental milestone at an age when most players have long since retired. The Portuguese superstar, now plying his trade in Saudi Arabia, has officially become the all-time top goalscorer in FIFA World Cup qualifying history.
The record was clinched during a recent 2026 World Cup qualifier against Hungary in Lisbon, where the legendary forward netted a decisive brace. The goals took his incredible tally in World Cup qualification matches to 41, surpassing the long-standing record previously held by former Guatemala international Carlos Ruiz, who finished his qualifying career with 39 goals between 1998 and 2016.
A Masterclass in Longevity
At 40 years old, Ronaldo’s achievement underscores a career defined by relentless ambition and unparalleled longevity in the sport. His performance against Hungary saw him respond to an early deficit with characteristic composure. He scored the equalizer in the 22nd minute, which was the goal that officially secured the record, before netting another just before halftime to give Portugal a 2-1 lead.
While the match ultimately ended in a frustrating 2-2 draw after Hungary scored a stoppage-time equalizer, preventing Portugal from immediately securing their passage to the next World Cup, the individual achievement for Ronaldo was undeniable. This latest feat adds another glittering chapter to his already legendary international career.
Contextualizing the Achievement
This new benchmark in World Cup qualifiers further solidifies Ronaldo’s status as arguably the most prolific international goalscorer the game has ever witnessed. His tally for the national team now stands at an astonishing 143 international goals across 225 appearances, a record he already held for men's international football.
The race for this particular record has been closely watched, especially given the proximity of his great rival, Lionel Messi, who sits third on the all-time list with 36 goals for Argentina. The top five list now sees Ronaldo firmly at the summit, showcasing his dominance across multiple World Cup qualification cycles spanning two decades.
Top Five World Cup Qualifying Goalscorers (as of latest record):
- Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) – 41 goals
- Carlos Ruiz (Guatemala) – 39 goals
- Lionel Messi (Argentina) – 36 goals
- Ali Daei (Iran) – 35 goals
- Robert Lewandowski (Poland) – 33 goals
Global Impact and Future Aspirations
For the global football community, Ronaldo’s continued scoring prowess is a source of constant fascination. His performance reaffirms that, even in the twilight of his career, the Al-Nassr forward remains a vital, goal-scoring threat for the Portugal national team, often referred to as the Seleção.
The immediate focus for Portugal remains qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Despite the setback against Hungary, Portugal maintains a strong position in their qualifying group, meaning Ronaldo will likely have further opportunities to extend his monumental record.
Furthermore, the sheer volume of goals is bringing him ever closer to yet another statistical peak: the 950 career goal mark across club and country, currently standing at 947 or 948 depending on the precise tally used.
As the game continues to evolve, Ronaldo’s influence remains a powerful narrative. His dedication to maintaining peak physical condition and his insatiable hunger for success are lessons for players across all levels. He is not merely resting on past laurels; Cristiano Ronaldo is actively constructing an untouchable legacy, one record-breaking goal at a time, keeping the dream of a final World Cup appearance alive.