Cristiano Ronaldo, indisputably one of the best football players ever, scored his 760th goals in official matches in early 2021. This makes him the top scorer in football history - although the title is disputed by some.
The road to 760 goals
The Portuguese striker, who turns 36 in just a few days, is the undisputed holder of several records, such as the best scorer for Real Madrid and Portugal's national team, while also standing above Lionel Messi in the Champions League roaster. Earlier this year, Ronaldo scored his 760th career goal during Juventus' 2-0 win against Naples in the Italian Super Cup. At that moment, Ronaldo became the best scorer in the history of football - or did he not?
By itself, a number such as 760 goals is a remarkable achievement and cause for celebration, one more crowning moment in a career filled with many successes. However, there are doubts about whether Ronaldo is actually the record owner since total goals scored by players from previous football eras are in question, namely Pelé and Josef Bican: record-keeping was spotty.
With 5 goals for Sporting Club Portugal, 118 for Manchester United, 450 for Real Madrid, 85 for Juventus, and 102 for Portugal, there is no debate about Cristiano Ronaldo's goal count.
Nevertheless, the Record Sports Soccer Statistics Foundation (RSSSF) points to Josef Bican as the top scorer of all time, with 805 goals in official matches.
But Josef Bican's numbers raise doubts. There is still no official register to dispel all doubts, and entities such as FIFA and UEFA have yet to speak out on the issue. The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) congratulated Cristiano Ronaldo for his 760 goals while recognizing that the RSSSF still puts Bican ahead of CR7. The FPF expressed the belief that Ronaldo will naturally get to 805 goals in no time, and with all goals officially certified, the time will come to congratulate the Portuguese striker once again.
The FPF pointed out that this goal "represents another trophy and a milestone that brightens Ronaldo's career full of successes, trophies, honors, and distinctions - such as being the UEFA's team of the year for the 15th time, a recognition only available to a player as unique as he is".
Will Cristiano Ronaldo get to the 1000th goal?
After the match and his 760th goal, Cristiano Ronaldo made a point of thanking all the teammates and coaches who helped him get to this amazing number, as well as the loyal opponents who made him work harder every day. The athlete immediately set a new objective: "next stop: 800 goals!"
Also, another record is waiting for this amazing athlete: if Ronaldo gets to 110 goals for Portugal, he will overtake Iranian Ali Daei as the best scorer ever representing a national team.
What about 1000 goals? The specialized press believes this can happen if Ronaldo keeps playing for five more seasons, that is until he is 40 years old. Cristiano Ronaldo is at 797 goals already (if you take into account nonofficial matches).
A small profile
Cristiano Ronaldo was born in 1985 on Madeira Island, Portugal. He started his football career at the age of 9 at local clubs. At 11, he joined one of the great Portuguese clubs, Sporting Club Portugal. he was later called to represent the Portuguese national team. He made international football history at Manchester United and then at Real Madrid. He is currently a Juventus player in Italy and a Portuguese national team player. He was elected the world's best player in 2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2017. He received five Golden Balls in his career, among dozens of other trophies and distinctions that place him at the top of the very best football players in history. He was also the first player to reach 100 goals in the Champions League, the premier European football event. Born to a modest family in one of Europe's poorest regions, the player's story speaks for itself: he has always been considered an example of hard work, overcoming, and enduring. A world ambassador for Portuguese sports, Ronaldo represents the best sports can give to society a large.
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