There are few milestones left for Cristiano Ronaldo to achieve, but his 900th career goal for club and country marked a special moment for the Portuguese legend. Scoring with a simple tap-in against Croatia during Portugal’s 2-1 victory in the UEFA Nations League, Ronaldo expressed his emotional connection to the landmark, revealing that records “haunt” him rather than being something he consciously chases. The 39-year-old also praised coach Roberto Martinez’s tactical adjustments, which allowed him more freedom on the field.
Ronaldo’s Milestone Moment
Cristiano Ronaldo hit yet another historic milestone in his career, netting his 900th goal during Portugal’s Nations League opener against Croatia. The goal came via a close-range tap-in from a Nuno Mendes cross, a moment that etched his name even deeper into football’s record books. It was his 131st goal for Portugal, adding to the immense tally he has accumulated across his time at clubs like Real Madrid, Manchester United, Juventus, and more recently, Al-Nassr.
Ronaldo, who has scored 50% of his goals during his time at Real Madrid, reflected on how much this achievement meant to him. “It was an exciting goal for me,” Ronaldo said. “It’s a round number, and only I know how hard I work every day to reach milestones like this. It’s a unique point in my career. I don’t break records… they haunt me!”
Emotional Celebration
The moment of celebration was equally emotional for Ronaldo, who ran to the corner flag with his arms outstretched, visibly moved as his teammates gathered around to congratulate him. Despite his legendary status and extensive list of achievements, Ronaldo still values these milestones deeply. “As you know, I’m 39 and a half years old, and to still perform at this level requires immense dedication,” Ronaldo explained. “When these little—or big—records happen, I get emotional because I understand the value of my hard work. I also value my teammates because, without them, none of this would be possible.”
Bouncing Back After Euro 2024
Ronaldo’s goal against Croatia came after a frustrating UEFA Euro 2024 campaign, where he failed to score despite 24 attempts on goal. However, the Portuguese captain has shown a resurgence in form, scoring in his first two matches of the new Saudi Pro League season for Al-Nassr. His strike against Croatia ended a five-match international goal drought, reminding the world that he remains one of the game’s greatest finishers.
Praise for Roberto Martinez’s Tactical Tweaks
Following Portugal’s victory, Ronaldo was quick to praise new manager Roberto Martinez for tactical changes that helped the team play with more fluidity. He felt Martinez’s system gave him and the team greater freedom on the pitch, which had been lacking during their disappointing Euro 2024 campaign. “After what happened at the European Championship, we needed a strong response, and that’s exactly what we did,” Ronaldo said. “We played well against a strong Croatia team, and it was a spectacular game.”
Ronaldo highlighted how Martinez’s system allowed him to play with more freedom, something he believes was crucial for his performance. “I felt freer than usual today,” Ronaldo noted. “The coach gave me that opportunity, and we also played a little differently compared to how we did in the Euros. When the players have more freedom on the pitch, it benefits me—and the team. I enjoy football more when I’m free to create space and opportunities, not just for myself but for my teammates too.”
Looking Ahead
As Ronaldo continues to defy age and expectations, his focus remains on delivering for both club and country. With 900 goals now under his belt, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner shows no signs of slowing down. His next challenge will be to help Portugal progress through the Nations League and to continue his rich vein of form in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Nassr. Whether or not more records “haunt” him, Ronaldo’s hunger for success and ability to deliver on the grandest stages remains unparalleled.
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