With his 900th career goal, Cristiano Ronaldo surpassed Luka Modric in Thursday’s Nations League clash between heavyweights.
The 39-year-old became the first player to reach the 900-goal milestone in competitive matches for club and country when he scored in Portugal’s 2-1 win over Croatia.
It was Ronaldo’s 131st career goal for the national team.
“It means a lot to me,” the former Real Madrid star said. “It was a milestone I wanted to achieve for a long time. I knew I would reach this number, because as long as I keep playing, it will happen naturally.”
Just seven minutes later, Diogo Dalot had put Portugal ahead, and his own goal in the 41st minute made it 1-1.
As he celebrated his goal, Cristiano covered his face with his hands and went to his knees.
“It was emotional because it was a milestone,” he remarked. “It may sound like any other milestone, but only I and those close to me understand how challenging it is to work hard every day and maintain good physical and mental health in order to reach 900 goals. This is a special turning point in my career.”
Robert Lewandowski, 36, created a lasting impression on Thursday when he scored Poland’s 3-2 victory over Scotland from the penalty spot.
As of this week, Ronaldo, Modric, and Lewandowski have amassed 542 caps and scored 239 goals between them.
In their first meeting with Serbia following their victory at Euro 2024, Spain drew 0-0. With victories in the 2023 Nations League, Euro 2024, and the men’s gold medal in the Paris Olympics, La Roja has emerged as Europe’s most formidable squad in recent times.
Spain have another away game next, against Switzerland in Geneva.
San Marino beat Liechtenstein 1-0 to claim their first ever win in competitive matches, thanks to a goal from Nicko Sensoli in the 53rd minute.
The victory came in Group D1 of the competition.