Cristiano Ronaldo has moved to within one goal of becoming the all-time top scorer in World Cup qualifying history. The 40-year-old superstar netted twice in Portugal’s emphatic 5–0 victory over Armenia on September 6 in a 2026 World Cup qualifier.
With his double, Ronaldo took his total in World Cup qualifiers to 38 goals, surpassing the 36 scored by his longtime rival, Lionel Messi. He now stands just one goal behind the current record holder, Guatemala’s Carlos Ruiz, who scored 39 goals in his career.
The match was also a poignant one for the Portuguese squad, which paid tribute to their late teammate, Diogo Jota. Ronaldo’s inspirational performance and leadership underscored his enduring class and his remarkable defiance of age.
Portugal’s next qualifying matches are against Hungary and Ireland, providing Ronaldo with immediate opportunities to make history and claim the record outright. His pursuit has ignited fervent debate and excitement among fans across social media platforms.
