Cristiano Ronaldo scored 2 last-gasp headers to become the greatest international goalscorer in men’s soccer history
- Cristiano Ronaldo is now the highest goalscorer in men's international soccer history.
- The 36-year-old scored two last-gasp headers as Portugal beat the Republic of Ireland.
- The brace moved him ahead of Iran's Ali Daei in the all-time charts.
Cristiano Ronaldo is now the highest goalscorer in men's international soccer history after he scored two last-gasp headers as Portugal beat the Republic of Ireland in a World Cup qualifying match Wednesday.
After having a penalty saved in the first-half, Ronaldo nodded home Goncalo Guedes' cross in the 89th minute to cancel out John Egan's first half goal.
It was is 110th goal in international football, moving him one ahead of Ali Daei, who scored 109 goals for Iran between 1993 and 2006, in the all-time charts.
In the 95th minute, Ronaldo then scored another trademark header, his 111th international goal, to hand Portugal victory.
"I can't even start to express myself in words! I'm thrilled with an overwhelming sensation!" Ronaldo wrote on Instagram after the game.
"From all the records that I have broken during my career - and fortunately there have been a few - this one is very special for me and it's certainly on the shelf of the achievements that make me truly proud."
As well as paying tribute to Daei, he added: "Thank you Portugal. Thanks to all my teammates and opponents for making this journey so unforgettable.
"Let's keep meeting inside the pitch in the years to come! I'm not closing the count just yet."
The Portuguese forward made his name at Old Trafford as a youngster between 2003 and 2009, scoring 118 goals and winning three Premier League titles, the UEFA Champions League, and the Ballon d'Or before moving to Real Madrid.
After nine seasons and 450 goals in Madrid, he joined Juventus, where he spent three years before returning to United.
"I can't even start to explain my feelings right now, as I see my return to Old Trafford announced worldwide," Ronaldo said.
"It's like a dream come true, after all the times that I went back to play against Man United, and even as an opponent, to have always felt such love and respect from the supporters in the stands.
"This is absolutely 100% the stuff that dreams are made of!"