IN PHOTOS: As Cristiano Ronaldo nears 200 caps, here are five iconic milestones from his international career

Cristiano Ronaldo is on his way to adding one more career milestone in his list of records. The star Portuguese footballer is on the verge of completing 200 caps in what has been a long and impressive international career. He’ll achieve the feat if he features in the Euro 2024 Qualifier match between Portugal and Iceland on Wednesday. As he nears a significant achievement, here’s a look at five iconic milestones from his glorious career. (Pics: AFP)

Updated On: 2023-06-19 09:52 PM IST

Compiled by : Editor

Cristiano Ronaldo (Pic: AFP)

First International Goal

Ronaldo scored his maiden international goal when Portugal hosted UEFA Euro 2004. He scored off the bench in a surprise 2-1 opening loss to eventual champions Greece.

First World Cup

Ronaldo made his FIFA World Cup debut in 2006. At the age of 21 years and 132 days, he became Portugal’s youngest scorer at a World Cup when he converted a penalty against Iran to give his team a 2-0 win. Portugal then lost in the semi-finals to France.

First International Trophy

Ronaldo won his first international trophy with Portugal at the 2016 Euros in France. He scored three goals on the way to the final as well as the decisive spot kick in a shootout against Poland in the quarter-final. But in the final against France he was stretchered off after 25 minutes. Eder scored the game's only goal in extra-time and captain Ronaldo still lifted the trophy.

10 Hat-tricks

Including two four-goal outings, Ronaldo has scored 10 hat-tricks for Portugal. One gave Portugal a 3-2 victory in a World Cup playoff in Sweden in 2013. He also hit three in a World Cup group game against Spain in Russia 2018, including an 88th-minute equaliser from a free kick. When Portugal hosted the inaugural Nations League finals in 2019, Ronaldo hit all three in a 3-1 semi-final victory over Switzerland. 

International Scoring Record

Ronaldo broke Ali Daei's scoring record in men’s international football (109 goals) in 2021. He scored the record-breaking goal in the 89th minute of a World Cup qualifier against Republic of Ireland. He has since increased his total to 122 international goals.

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