Cristiano Ronaldo became the top scorer in the history of men’s international football with two stunning late headers to hand Portugal a thrilling 2-1 victory over the Republic of Ireland. The legendary forward needed just one goal for Portugal against Ireland to surpass Ali Daei’s record. The 36-year-old scored two late headers – to break and extend the record – after he had a penalty saved by Gavin Bazunu.
Ronaldo went level with Iran’s Ali Daei on 109 goals with a double in Portugal’s Euro 2020 group-stage clash with France in July and the record will undoubtedly have been at the forefront of his mind heading into this evening’s World Cup qualifying clash at the Estadio Algarve. Portugal were trailing 1-0 going into the latter stages of the game and needed their talisman to get them out of a hole. And he did just that as he powered a header into the net. The Manchester United forward has also equalled Sergio Ramos’ European record for men’s caps – with his 180th Portugal appearance. Ronaldo drew level with Daei’s mark of 109 earlier this year at Euro 2020 with a two-goal performance in group-stage action against France. Both those goals in the 2-2 draw in Budapest came from the penalty spot. The career international scoring record is held by Canada’s Christine Sinclair, who has 186 goals. Ronaldo also made Euro history when he scored twice in Portugal’s opening group-stage game against Hungary to become the tournament’s all-time leading scorer with 11 goals. Ronaldo, who rejoined United from Juventus on deadline day, and Daei are the only two male players to score 90 or more international goals.
