Cristiano Ronaldo created history on Tuesday, June 20, by becoming the first male footballer to play in 200 international matches. The Portuguese captain achieved the historic feat during his team’s UEFA Euro qualifier match against Iceland at Laugardalsvolur. Ronaldo celebrated this feat by scoring a late winner in Portugal’s 1–0 victory.
The legendary footballer was also awarded the Guinness World Records medal ahead of the game. Ronaldo started in the number 9 position and scored the only goal of the match in the 89th minute as Portugal secured a 100 percent winning run in the Euro qualifiers. In the historic match, the Al Nassr forward celebrated the goal with his iconic signature ‘siou’ celebration.
Ronaldo has won the Portuguese Player of the Year award for a record five teams. He has scored 123 goals, the most by any player in international football, and has also provided 43 assists. After the game, Ronaldo shared an Instagram post saying that he had played all 200 games with the same commitment and dedication as he did for the first time on 20 August 2003 against Kazakhstan.
“200 matches with the same commitment, dedication and responsibility as the first time I played with this jersey,” Ronaldo wrote in his Instagram post. For the team and our country. Por amor a Portugal.”
Ronaldo, 38, has been in sensational form in front of goal of late. He has scored five goals in four Euro Championship qualifiers 2024 matches for Portugal as his side remain top of Group J with four wins from four matches. The former Real Madrid veteran scored two goals each in the first two qualifiers against Liechtenstein and Luxembourg.
At club level, Ronaldo enjoyed an impressive debut season in the Saudi Professional League with Al Nassr, scoring 14 goals in 16 appearances.