Cristiano Ronaldo becomes first player to score 900 career goals

New Delhi: Five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo achieved another milestone during Portugal's UEFA Nations League match against Croatia as he became the first men's football player to score 900 career goals.

Record-Breaking Goal Against Croatia

The Portuguese superstar etched his name on the record when he scored against Croatia in the 34th minute of the match. Nuno Mendes put up a perfect cross, which Ronaldo connected with from close range to fire the ball past Croatian goalkeeper Livakovic. The 39-year-old's goal also helped Portugal double their lead and secure the win.

Criticism After EURO Cup Performance

Ronaldo was criticised by football pundits after his disappointing performance in the recently concluded EURO Cup, where he failed to score a single goal after playing five matches in the tournament.

Early Career: From Sporting CP to Manchester United

Ronaldo's remarkable career started with Sporting CP, where he scored four goals after playing 28 matches. In 2003, legendary Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson brought him to England. He spent six years at the Manchester-based club and scored 145 goals.

Dominance at Real Madrid

The Portugal skipper's career took a major turn when he joined Real Madrid in 2009. Ronaldo served as a goalscoring machine with Los Blancos and won major trophies with them, including four UEFA Champions League titles, three FIFA Club World Cups, and two La Liga championships. Ronaldo scored 450 goals during his nine-year tenure with Real Madrid, becoming the club's highest goalscorer.

Stints with Juventus and Manchester United Return

He joined the Turin-based club Juventus in 2018 and scored 101 goals for them. After spending four years with Juventus, Ronaldo returned to his boyhood club Manchester United, where he scored 29 goals during his second stint before moving to Al Nassr.

Continued Success at Al Nassr

Ronaldo joined Al Nassr in 2022 and has played 74 matches, scoring 68 goals for his current club. In the ongoing Saudi Pro League, Ronaldo has played two matches and scored two goals with Al Nassr.

National Team Glory

Meanwhile, Ronaldo has scored 131 goals for his national football team. He is considered one of the greatest footballers of all time, having achieved every major trophy apart from the FIFA World Cup. Even after reaching the 39-year age mark, the Portuguese star is still contributing to both his club and national team.

(With ANI inputs)