Ronaldo becomes all-time top scorer in World Cup qualifying history

At the Puskás Arena, where the Champions League final will be played in a few months' time, Mr Champions was the star of yet another goal-scoring feat. It was Cristiano Ronaldo's 39th goal in a World Cup qualifying match. In other words, it was the goal that saw him draw level with Carlos Ruiz, who had been reigning supreme since September 2016. 

Although the CONCACAF route never had the name of the South American Qualifiers or the appeal of the European teams, the truth is that FIFA officially recognised the merits of the Guatemalan, who scored 39 goals in 47 matches with his national team. Ironically, 'el Pescadito', who retired almost a decade ago, is now 45 years old. Ronaldo has now equalled him at the age of 40 and, barring injury, will soon be the sole top scorer. The Portuguese player's figures are almost identical, although he has played two more games than the Guatemalan. 45 strictly in qualifying plus 4 in the play-offs (with that unforgettable hat-trick in Sweden). 

It's not that he's the king of goals, it's that Cristiano doesn't have enough heads to wear so many crowns. Top scorer in the history of the Champions League (140) and in the knockout stages (67), top scorer for national teams (142), top scorer in the EURO and in the qualifying stages, and the only footballer to score in five World Cups are just the highlights of a much more extensive collection. 

Heading towards his sixth World Cup and 1,000 career goals, it's not that football is calling it a day for him, it's that he continues to reinvent himself and adapt wonderfully. Since turning 40, he has scored 26 goals and provided one assist in 28 matches. What's more, he feels particularly sharp with Portugal, having scored in five consecutive international matches, just two shy of equalling his best streak, achieved between 2019 and 2020.