Cristiano Ronaldo Tops All-Time World Cup Qualifiers Scorers List with 41 Goals — Full Ranking
Story: written by Uzuh Rita October 15,2025
Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has cemented his status as the highest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup qualifying history, extending his tally to 41 goals in 51 appearances following his latest brace against Hungary in a 2-2 draw on Tuesday.
The Al Nassr forward, who continues to shine for his national team at 39, added two crucial goals to maintain Portugal’s unbeaten run in the qualifying campaign. Ronaldo will now look to add to his record when Portugal face Ireland in November.
Ronaldo’s dominance puts him ahead of legendary strikers such as Carlos Ruiz, Lionel Messi, and Ali Daei, who also feature among the top World Cup qualifying scorers of all time.
Below is the full list of top goalscorers in FIFA World Cup qualifying history:
- Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) – 41 goals in 51 appearances
- Carlos Ruiz (Guatemala) – 39 goals in 47 appearances
- Lionel Messi (Argentina) – 36 goals in 72 appearances
- Ali Daei (Iran) – 35 goals in 51 appearances
- Robert Lewandowski (Poland) – 33 goals in 42 appearances
- Chris Wood (New Zealand) – 29 goals in 31 appearances
- Sardar Azmoun (Iran) – 29 goals in 41 appearances
- Edin Džeko (Bosnia & Herzegovina) – 29 goals in 42 appearances
- Luis Suárez (Uruguay) – 29 goals in 64 appearances
- Karim Bagheri (Iran) – 28 goals in 29 appearances
- Kazu Miura (Japan) – 27 goals in 25 appearances
- Ali Mabkhout (UAE) – 26 goals in 33 appearances
- Andriy Shevchenko (Ukraine) – 26 goals in 40 appearances
- Tim Cahill (Australia) – 25 goals in 37 appearances
- Carlos Pavón (Honduras) – 25 goals in 37 appearances
- Mehdi Taremi (Iran) – 24 goals in 44 appearances
- Harry Kane (England) – 23 goals in 20 appearances
- Jared Borgetti (Mexico) – 23 goals in 24 appearances
- Son Heung-min (South Korea) – 23 goals in 47 appearances
- Memphis Depay (Netherlands) – 22 goals in 21 appearances
- Marcelo Martins (Bolivia) – 22 goals in 64 appearances
Ronaldo’s incredible feat further strengthens his reputation as one of the most prolific goal scorers in football history, continuing to set records even in the twilight of his career.
