Cristiano Ronaldo is truly one of a kind. He is still scoring goals for fun at the age of 38.
A year ago it looked like Cristiano Ronaldo‘s career was winding down. Out of favour at Manchester United, and a lack of interest from Europe’s elite clubs.
A disappointing World Cup came after his controversial Manchester United exit.
Ronaldo went on to sign with Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr. It was a much-derided move at the time, although many top footballers have followed his path since, several quitting the Premier League.
Cristiano Ronaldo can’t stop scoring
There was a problem for Cristiano Ronaldo at the start of the 2023/24 season at Manchester United. The goals dried up.
He netted only three times, one a penalty. Watching him in the Europa League last season was painful, with Ronaldo missing easy chances. He clearly wasn’t himself.
Over in Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo has predictably scored for fun. Fascinatingly, he is doing so for Portugal too.
Even at the age of 38, Ronaldo is a regular for his country, and has played a key part in Portugal’s 100 per cent record. He will be at Euro 2024.
Cristiano Ronaldo record in 2023
Cristiano Ronaldo has extended his record as the leading international goalscorer of all time. He is now up to 127 goals.
Of these, four have come in his last two games, and he has nine in Euro 2024 qualifiers in total – more than any other player.
Per TNT Sports, Cristiano Ronaldo now has 40 goals in 43 games. Plus a further nine assists. It is a truly incredible contribution.
That’s more than Erling Haaland has scored (39) and Kylian Mbappe (38).
The quality of the Saudi Pro League will leave Manchester United fans divided over his achievements. And that’s fair.
Some will belittle it. Others will have only admiration for a player who has found his scoring touch again, along with his confidence.
Scoring 40 goals is a staggering accomplishment, wherever you do it, especially with many coming at international level.
One thing is clear, Ronaldo is not going away quietly. Bruno Fernandes last week said he is aiming to star in his homeland at World Cup 2030. Cristiano Ronaldo will be 45 then. Is it impossible he is playing? With Ronaldo, nothing is impossible.
Fernandes told Portugoal he is enjoying playing alongside Ronaldo: “Do I have the notion that I’m playing alongside a history maker? No, I don’t have a notion, I have the certainty! We’re all aware of it.
“He’s done extraordinary things that will probably never be repeated. We hope they are, for the good of football, but I think it’s unlikely.”
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