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Ronaldo Breaks World Cup Qualifying Goal Record at 40
14 Oct
Summary
- Cristiano Ronaldo scores 40th goal in World Cup qualifiers
- Breaks record previously held by former Guatemala player Carlos Ruiz
- Ronaldo's 142nd international goal for Portugal
As of October 14th, 2025, the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo has once again etched his name in the history books. The 40-year-old Portuguese superstar has become the player with the most goals in World Cup qualifying matches, scoring his 40th such goal in Portugal's match against Hungary on Tuesday.
Ronaldo's 22nd-minute equalizer in Lisbon leveled the score at 1-1, and in the process, he broke the previous record held by former Guatemala player Carlos Ruiz. Ronaldo has now scored those 40 goals in 50 World Cup qualifiers over the course of his illustrious international career.
This latest milestone is just another feather in the cap of the ageless wonder that is Cristiano Ronaldo. The goal also extended his record as Portugal's all-time leading international goalscorer, with a staggering 142 goals to his name. Ronaldo's enduring class and goal-scoring prowess continue to defy the expectations of age, cementing his status as one of the greatest players to ever grace the game of football.
