Cristiano Ronaldo Turns 40: A Look at His Most Impressive Records and Statistics

One of the greatest footballers to ever grace the pitch, Cristiano Ronaldo’s remarkable career began at Sporting Lisbon, where he made his first-team debut at just 17. Now, 23 years later, the Portuguese icon continues to deliver jaw-dropping performances. As he celebrates his 40th birthday, we take a look at the records and statistics that define his legendary career.

Ronaldo boasts an astonishing record of 923 goals and 257 assists in 1261 matches, amassing 33 major trophies. With his relentless drive and dedication, it wouldn’t be surprising if he reaches 1,000 goals before retirement. His early promise at Sporting CP caught the attention of Manchester United, who signed him in 2003. After six successful years at Old Trafford, he moved to Real Madrid, where he became the club’s all-time top scorer with 450 goals in 438 appearances.

Following his spell in Spain, Ronaldo joined Juventus in 2018, where he continued his goal-scoring dominance. He later returned to Manchester United in 2021, but his second stint at the club was less fulfilling. In 2023, he made a high-profile move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr, where he remains a key figure. His current contract expires in June, but reports suggest he may extend his stay. Additionally, he has expressed hopes of representing Portugal at the 2026 World Cup.

Ronaldo’s Most Impressive Records and Statistics

Career Milestones

• All-time leading goal scorer: 923 goals
• Most goals scored after turning 30: 454
• Most matches won by a player: 829
• Most headed goals: 151
• First player to score 50+ goals in the Premier League, La Liga, and Serie A
• First player to score 30+ goals in a season in three of Europe’s top five leagues
• Fastest player to score 50 Serie A goals (61 matches)

International Records

• Most goals in men’s international football: 135
• Most international appearances in men’s football: 217
• Only player to score at five different World Cups (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022)
• Portugal’s youngest goalscorer at a World Cup: 21 years, 132 days
• Portugal’s oldest goalscorer at a World Cup: 37 years, 292 days
• Most hat-tricks for a national team: 10
• Most different national teams scored against: 48
• Most assists for Portugal: 36
• Most international goals in a calendar year: 32 (2017)

UEFA Champions League Records

• Most goals in UEFA Champions League history: 140
• Most goals in a single Champions League season: 17 (2013-14)
• Most goals in Champions League knockout rounds: 67
• Only player to score in three different Champions League finals
• Only player to score in 11 consecutive Champions League games
• First player to score 10+ goals for three different clubs in the UCL
• Most goals from penalty kicks in UCL history: 19
• Most goals from direct free kicks in UCL history: 12
• Most goals in Champions League quarter-finals: 25
• Most goals in Champions League semi-finals: 13

European Championship Records

• Most European Championship goals (including qualifiers): 55
• Most goals in European Championship finals: 14
• Most appearances in European Championship final tournaments: 6
• Only player to score in five European Championships (2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020)
• Most assists at European Championship finals: 7
• Most European Championship and World Cup appearances combined: 52
• Most European Championship and World Cup goals combined: 22

Club Records

• Real Madrid’s all-time leading goal scorer: 450
• Most goals by any Real Madrid player in a single season: 61 (2014-15)
• Real Madrid’s leading La Liga scorer: 312 goals
• Fastest player to score 150 La Liga goals: 140 matches
• Fastest player to score 200 La Liga goals: 178 matches
• Fastest player to score 300 La Liga goals: 286 matches
• Most goals in Madrid Derby matches: 22
• Most goals for Real Madrid in El Clasico: 18
• First player to score in six consecutive El Clasico matches
• Most goals scored in a single Saudi Pro League season: 35

Premier League and Serie A Achievements

• Most goals in a 38-game Premier League season for Man United: 31
• First player to win both Premier League Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year in the same season (2007-08)

Ronaldo’s impact on football is unparalleled, and at 40, he remains an elite performer. Whether he extends his stay at Al-Nassr or embarks on another adventure, one thing is certain—his legacy is firmly cemented as one of the greatest to ever play the game.