Cristiano Ronaldo Sets New World Cup Qualifying Record with Historic Brace

Cristiano Ronaldo added yet another milestone to his legendary career after scoring twice in Portugal’s 2–2 draw with Hungary on Tuesday evening. The result may have spoiled Portugal’s flawless World Cup Qualifying run, but it marked a historic night for the captain.

At 40 years old, Ronaldo has become the all-time leading goalscorer in FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, netting 41 goals across his illustrious career — more than any other player in history.

Portugal found themselves trailing 1–0 at the Estádio José Alvalade, but Ronaldo responded just 14 minutes later, turning in a sharp cross from Nélson Semedo to level the score and send the home crowd into celebration.

Just before halftime, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner struck again, calmly finishing off a pinpoint delivery from Nuno Mendes to give Portugal the lead. However, a late stoppage-time equalizer from Dominik Szoboszlai denied Roberto Martínez’s men the win, ending the match 2–2.

Before this game, Ronaldo was tied with Guatemala’s Carlos Ruiz on 39 goals in World Cup Qualifiers. His double against Hungary now places him alone at the top of the all-time chart:

Ronaldo had a chance to surpass the record in an earlier qualifier but missed a penalty against former Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher. He made amends this time, ensuring his name stands alone in the record books.

With 143 international goals and 948 career strikes, the Portuguese icon edges ever closer to his dream of reaching 1,000 goals and lifting a World Cup trophy before he retires.