Cristiano Ronaldo has been honored by Guinness World Records after attaining 200 international appearances for Portugal’s national team.
The former Real Madrid forward made his 200 caps for Portugal in their Euro 2024 qualifier on Tuesday, 20th of June, against Iceland.
The 38-year-old legendary forward has now broken yet another record of the most-capped player in international football overtaking Bader Al-Mutawa of Kuwait back in the month of March.
However, Ronaldo’s 200 caps attainment is just the latest international-level record that the Manchester United legend has broken.
Cristiano Ronaldo is also the leading goalscorer in men’s international football history.
He is the first man to score 10 international hat tricks, the first man to score in five World Cups at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the top scorer and appearance maker at European Championships, and the most caps as Portugal’s skipper.
Cristiano Ronaldo makes history as he is in the Guinness World Record:
The 38-year-old forward has been handed a spot in the Guinness World Record Books for his latest success.
The International leading goalscorer was presented with a certificate for his achievements before his qualifier match against Iceland at Laugardalsvollur, the Nordic country’s national stadium.
For Ronaldo, this is just one more international record to add to his already impressive stats. The Al Nassr striker now holds the record for most goals scored in international football with 123 goals in 200 appearances.
Cristiano Ronaldo played for Portugal senior team for the first time 19 years ago when he came on as a substitute against Kazakhstan in a friendly game, which ended in a 1-0 win in favor of Portugal.
In 2003, at the tender age of 18, Ronaldo made his Selecao debut. His national team won the 2016 European Championships and he could be eyeing next year’s edition of the tournament.
Ronaldo also experienced success in 2019 with his country when Portugal won UEFA Nations League against Netherlands.
There is no indication that the renowned forward plans to slow down any time soon.
Before their match against Iceland, Cristiano Ronaldo told a reporter: “Two hundred games played proved the love I have for my country”.
Iceland vs Portugal in brief:
Portugal beat Iceland 1-0 thanks to a last-minute goal from Cristiano Ronaldo, who was making his 200th international appearance.
The away team held most of the ball in the opening minutes, but they were unable to establish any sort of offensive pace.
After 17 minutes, Portugal’s first serious opportunity was presented as Pepe rose highest to power a header toward the goal, but Alex Runarsson was there to tip it away for a corner.
At the start of the second half, Portugal tried to boost the ante by pressing the Icelandic defense. Martinez’s squad started passing the ball more quickly and with greater intent.
After a second caution for a rough challenge, Willum Williamson was sent off with 10 minutes remaining.
Ronaldo’s odds were really good. Just 20 minutes before the end of the game, Sverrir Ingi Ingason made a game-changing play.
Goncalo Inacio played a lovely pass over the top for Ronaldo to run onto, but Ingason was there to make a challenge as Ronaldo prepared to shoot.
Ronaldo scored the game-winning goal in stoppage time after Goncalo Inacio cleverly headed the ball into his path. This was Ronaldo’s 123rd goal for his country.
Portugal won their fourth straight Group J game after a goal that was initially ruled offside was given to them after a lengthy review by VAR.
What’s next for Cristiano Ronaldo?
As Portugal strives to qualify for Euro 2024, the seasoned attacker has taken on the role of the team leader. And he claims he’ll keep playing for the national team for as long as possible.
However, after the International break, the Al-Nassr forward will be back in the Middle East as he will join his teammates for the pre-season tour ahead of next season’s Saudi Arabia Pro League.
