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November 23, 2024
As we've been getting used in the past decades, almost every time Ronaldo steps onto the pitch a new record falls. This time, the Portuguese icon set the record for the most international wins ever (132), while playing for his country...
Another match, another new record for Cristiano Ronaldo. The legendary footballer helped lead Portugal to a 5-1 victory over Poland in a UEFA Nations League match. Ronaldo found the back of the net twice, bringing his international goal total to 135. The effort landed the forward his 132nd international win, surpassing Spain's Sergio Ramos for the most in the history of men's football. In addition to the new record, Ronaldo's impressive career total now stands at 910 as he continues to play at an elite level.
Cristiano Ronaldo - Highlights in 2024:
The legendary forward continues to make history despite quickly approaching the end of his career. Ronaldo will turn 40 at the beginning of February, but continues to generate goals, which includes a gorgeous bicycle kick against Poland. His international play has captured headlines over the last few days, but he has also started strong for Al Nassr FC.
He has scored six goals and two assists in nine matches with his Saudi Arabian club. This impressive start comes after he finished last season with 35 goals and 11 assists in 30 starts. Ronaldo's two goals against Poland totaled five over four UEFA Nations League matches this year.
While his game remains elite, Ronaldo has openly discussed his thoughts on retirement.
"I just want to enjoy [myself]. Plan for retirement? If it has to happen, in one or two years... I don't know. I'm turning 40 soon", Ronaldo told reporters after the win over Poland.
"I really want to enjoy, as long as I feel motivated, I keep going. The day I don't feel motivated, I will retire."
Portugal's dominating win over Poland keeps them unbeaten to begin the UEFA Nations League. The squad sits atop their group with 13 points, making them one of the most popular bets to win this year's tournament.
Fans around the country are signing up for new betting sites to support their home team. The hot start has sportsbooks moving the team's odds closer to favorites like Spain, Germany, and France, but that hasn't stopped wagers from rolling in. While there is a long way to go, the public clearly believes in this Portugal squad.
Cristiano Ronaldo is in his third season with Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia. The star signed a massive contract to play in the small league, which is set to expire in the summer of 2025. While some fans have hoped the forward would return to a European club, it doesn't seem like he is planning a move any time soon.
With his contract ending, Ronaldo has begun to speak about his future. The star continues to assert that he is happy with his club and life in Saudi Arabia. He also continues playing at a high level, making him the country's top star. The club won't give him an opportunity to achieve success in European tournaments, but it appears that Ronaldo's goal is no longer there.
The truth is Ronaldo has achieved about as much as he could when playing with the world's top clubs. He has five Champions League trophies and championships from the EPL, Serie A, and La Liga. That success has earned him the UEFA Best Player in Europe trophy four times, Ballon d'Or five times, Best FIFA Men's Player three times, and four Golden Boots.
A World Cup title is likely no longer a possibility, but Ronaldo does have the motivation to outperform Lionel Messi. The Argentine star has joined Ronaldo as the most dominant player of their generation, holding the majority of the sport's records. The Messi vs Ronaldo debate rages on across the globe, gaining more steam after the former led Argentina to a World Cup title.
Like Ronaldo, Messi has also exited the uber-competitive European football scene, heading to Inter Miami of the MLS. While his club was a heavy favorite to win the MLS Cup, they were eliminated by the ninth-seeded Atlanta United FC in their opening match.
Ronaldo's time with Al Nassr has gone far more smoothly. His stats are better, and he seems more like his old self than Messi. While the debate between these two football legends will rage on for centuries after they are gone, Ronaldo could further his cause by outperforming Messi in the final phases of their respective careers.
Cristiano Ronaldo next game for Al Nassr is on November 25, against Al Gharafa for the AFC Champions League. You can watch Al Gharafa vs Al Nassr, Milan vs Juventus, Celta de Vigo vs Barça, Man City vs Tottenham, Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest and Leicester City vs Chelsea, all matches provided from our live streaming game pages.
Al Nassr next game:
Al Gharafa vs Al Nassr kick-off time (25-11-2024):
Beijing (China) | UTC/GMT+7: 23:00
India (New Delhi) | UTC/GMT+4.30: 20:30
Saudi Arabia (Riyadh) | UTC/GMT+2: 18:00
Spain (Madrid) | UTC/GMT+1: 17:00
Portugal and England (Lisbon/London) | UTC/GMT+0: 16:00
Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) | UTC/GMT-3: 13:00
New York (United States) | UTC/GMT-4: 12:00
Los Angeles (United States) | UTC/GMT-7: 09:00
Sources: ronaldo7.net / sportingnews.com / cnn.com
