Ronaldo becomes all-time top World Cup qualifying scorer

Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo made history once again on Tuesday, becoming the highest goalscorer in World Cup qualifying history after netting twice against Hungary at the age of 40.

Ronaldo scored his 40th and 41st goals in World Cup qualifiers, surpassing retired Guatemalan striker Carlos Ruiz, who held the previous record with 39 goals between 1998 and 2016.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner levelled the score for Portugal in the 22nd minute, converting a cross from Nelson Semedo. He struck again before halftime, finishing off a pass from Nuno Mendes to put Portugal ahead 2–1 at the break.

A late equaliser from Dominik Szoboszlai in stoppage time, however, denied Portugal a win that would have sealed their qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Ronaldo, already the all-time leading international goalscorer with 143 goals, continues to extend his remarkable career and has expressed his ambition to appear in what would be a record sixth World Cup.

Despite the draw, his latest milestone further cements his status as one of the greatest footballers in history, demonstrating both longevity and consistency on the international stage.

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