Cristiano Ronaldo is a name familiar even to those who do not like soccer at all. His journey from a boy in Madeira to a global star shows us how hard work, stubbornness, and self-belief pay off. He has been breaking records for more than 2 decades now, proving that age is just a number. Ronaldo is more than just an athlete; he is a man whose quotes spread across social media, brands build online slots and campaigns around his image, and fans around the world still debate the limits of his abilities. There are at least 10 records this footballer holds that are worth mentioning as a part of the history of the beautiful game.
The records that have made Ronaldo a legend
Cristiano Ronaldo is unmatched as a soccer player, considering all the things he has already accomplished and is about to achieve in the coming years. His career spans close to two and half decades in club and international football, and the records he has set make his name legendary. No other player today can boast such goal-scoring prowess and longevity at the highest level.
Some of his achievements seem almost fantastical, but each one is documented. To better understand the scale of his career, here are ten records of the Portugal captain that particularly stand out:
1. The most international goals scored for a national team. With over 143 goals for Portugal and counting, Ronaldo surpassed the legendary Ali Daei back in 2021 and has not stopped scoring since, demonstrating phenomenal consistency over the years. Still finding the back of the net for the Seleção, this is surely a record that will never be beaten.
2. The UEFA Champions League’s all-time leading scorer. With 140 goals, Ronaldo holds the tournament’s all-time scoring record. He consistently scored in decisive matches, proving an authentic nightmare for defenders at Europe’s top clubs.
3. Cristiano Ronaldo won five Ballon d’Or awards, in 2008, 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2017, which is more than any other European footballer and second only to Lionel Messi.
4. He is the number one player by goals scored within a single Champions League season. In 2013/14, he scored 17 goals, setting a mark that remains unbeaten.
5. As well as putting the ball in the net, Ronaldo is a specialist in helping his teammates score goals, as attested by his record for assists in the UEFA Champions League. He has provided 48 assists across 183 appearances for Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus.
6. Most hat-tricks in professional football amongst active players. Cristiano Ronaldo has scored three or more goals in 66 matches, demonstrating his unique productivity.
7. Ronaldo has scored in European Championship and World Cup finals tournaments across three different decades. In 2026 he is set to take part in his sixth World Cup which will be a record he will share only with Lionel Messi should the Argentine also take part in the tournament.
8. Earlier this month, when Ronaldo bagged a brace in the 2-2 draw against Hungary in Lisbon, he surpassed Guatemalan striker Carlos Ruiz to become the all-time leading goalscorer in World Cup qualifiers.
9. The all-time leading scorer at Real Madrid. 450 goals in 438 matches made him a legend of the Madrid club, scoring more than a goal a game and surpassing Raul’s total.
10. Top scorer in four different leagues: England, Spain, Italy and Saudi Arabia. Ronaldo’s versatility and adaptability are evident in any arena, with the Portuguese superstar becoming top scorer in domestic championships on multiple occasions, and winning the European Golden Shoe four times.
Ronaldo never ceases to amaze, thanks to his endless work ethic and the way he wants to stay in perfect shape, even after more than two decades at the top as a footballer.
A legacy that continues to grow
Ronaldo continues to amaze even those accustomed to his game. At 40, he still scores important goals and leads his team to victories, something most people his age cannot boast in soccer. His records are the result not only of talent but also of constant self-improvement: relentless training, strict discipline, and a desire to be the best.
Off the field, he is also a one-off. Ronaldo’s name is recognised in various countries, and his image is actively used in advertising and the media. But on the pitch, it is simple: he looks for the right scoring opportunity and never misses a chance to bring victory to his team. It is this combination of hard work, character and love of football that makes him a role model for millions of fans across the globe.
