Remember these? Record-breaker Ronaldo’s 7 greatest international goals for Portugal

As the Manchester United star sets yet another record, we’ve selected some of his all-time best strikes for Portugal.
Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates a goal against Armenia. Credit: Getty.Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates a goal against Armenia. Credit: Getty.
Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates a goal against Armenia. Credit: Getty.

On Wednesday night, Cristiano Ronaldo’s 89th-minute header against the Republic of Ireland ensured he set yet another football landmark by becoming the all-time leading international scorer in men’s football.

It took the Manchester United forward just seven minutes to add to that tally, taking it to 111 goals from 180 appearances.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

If you have all afternoon, feel free to watch every single goal the superstar has scored for Portugal, but if you’re a bit strapped for time we’ll save you the bother as we’ve picked out our top seven Ronaldo goals.

7. Hungary - Euro 2016 (22nd June 2016)

Portugal’s 3-3 draw ensured they qualified for the knockout stages, but they had to come from behind three times in the group-stage game.

Ronaldo grabbed the second with an audacious flick and also came up with a late header to ensure the game finished level.

6. Spain - 2018 World Cup (15th June 2018)

Again Ronaldo produced a virtuoso display to ensure his country grabbed a 3-3 draw. This time, the attacker scored all three goals, the highlight of which was a curling free-kick in the 88th minute to beat David De Gea.

5. Sweden - World Cup play-off (19th November 2013)

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

This play-off game had been billed as Ronaldo v Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and both players stepped up to the mark by scoring all five goals in the game.

But it was Ronaldo’s hat-trick that ensured Portugal qualified for the 2014 World Cup with a 3-2 win, and his piledriver of a second made our list.

4. Russia - World Cup qualifier (13th October 2004)

We’ve delved into the archives for this one, as Ronaldo starred in Portugal’s 7-1 win over Russia en route to the 2006 World Cup. This was actually the first game in which the then winger scored twice in one game for his nation.

3. Denmark - Euro 2012 qualifiers (11th October 2011)

Portugal lost on this occasion, but Ronaldo ensured there was a moment to remember at the end when he fired in this unstoppable free-kick.

2. Lithuania - Euro 2020 qualifiers (14th November 2019)

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A Selecao put six past Lithuania two years ago, with Ronaldo grabbing three. It was his second that stood out for us, as he curled an unstoppable effort over the head of goalkeeper Ernestas Setkus.

1. Armenia - Euro 2016 qualifiers (13th June 2015)

Another hat-trick for the man with the midas touch. This time, Ronaldo’s three goals ensured Portugal won 3-2 and stayed top of their group.

His second goal was just delightful. The first touch to control the ball was sensational and the power in strike was otherworldly. A phenomenal goal from the international superstar which tops our list.

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.