Despite lingering uncertainty about his international future, Cristiano Ronaldo remains a relentless goal scorer. His remarkable goal tally after turning 30 showcases his determination to stay at the forefront for Portugal.
Cristiano Ronaldo found the net but also missed a penalty as Portugal edged past Denmark in a thrilling clash to secure a spot in the UEFA Nations League semi-finals. The quarter-final ended 3-3 on aggregate after 90 minutes before Portugal struck twice in extra time to claim victory.
Portugal’s captain was once again in the spotlight on a dramatic night. He had a golden chance to break the deadlock when Patrick Dorgu fouled him in the box, but his hesitant penalty was comfortably saved by Kasper Schmeichel.
Schmeichel denied Ronaldo on five occasions, with the Portuguese star persistently seeking to make his mark. His perseverance paid off in the 72nd minute when he restored Portugal’s lead with a close-range finish.
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Ronaldo Defies Time as Portugal’s Future Takes Shape
For years, Portugal has been bracing for life after Cristiano Ronaldo. Francisco Trincão made a decisive impact off the bench with a brace, 25-year-old Vitinha orchestrated play in midfield, and Gonçalo Ramos—long seen as Ronaldo’s successor—scored the goal that sealed victory.
Yet, at 40, Ronaldo continues to defy expectations. He remains a regular in the squad, for better or worse—sometimes even to the team’s detriment—but his presence is undeniable.
What remains indisputable is his astonishing goalscoring record. Already the all-time leading scorer in men’s international football, his latest strike marked his 136th goal for Portugal.
Perhaps even more remarkable is his output since turning 30. A staggering 84 of his 136 international goals have come past that milestone.
To put that into perspective, only seven national teams in men’s football history have a top scorer with a higher career tally than Ronaldo’s post-30 record alone. He has scored more international goals after turning 30 than some of the game’s greatest legends managed in their entire careers—including Brazil’s Neymar (79), Germany’s Miroslav Klose (71), England’s Harry Kane (70), and France’s Olivier Giroud (57).
Ronaldo’s Late-Career Surge: More Efficient Than Ever
Ronaldo’s international efficiency has soared in his later years. Since turning 30, he has netted 84 goals in just 101 appearances, boasting an impressive strike rate of 0.83 goals per game. In contrast, before reaching 30, he scored 52 goals in 118 matches at a significantly lower rate of 0.44 goals per game.
This post-30 resurgence has been aided by the introduction of competitions like the UEFA Nations League, increasing the number of international fixtures. However, few—if any—have capitalized on these opportunities as effectively as Ronaldo.
Looking ahead, Roberto Martínez’s Portugal will take on Germany in the semi-finals after Julian Nagelsmann’s side edged past Italy 5-4 on aggregate.
Ronaldo’s international future remains a subject of debate, but his influence is indisputable. Even at 40, he continues to rewrite history.
Read More: WC 2026 Qualifiers: Brazil Crushed 4-1 by Argentina in a Humiliating Defeat
FAQs
How many international goals has Cristiano Ronaldo scored after turning 30?
Ronaldo has scored 84 international goals since turning 30, out of his total 136 for Portugal.
Has Cristiano Ronaldo become more efficient in scoring goals with age?
Yes, his strike rate has improved significantly. Post-30, he averages 0.83 goals per game, compared to 0.44 before turning 30.
Which national teams have a top scorer with fewer goals than Ronaldo’s post-30 tally?
Ronaldo’s 84 goals after 30 surpass the all-time top scorers of Brazil (Neymar – 79), Germany (Klose – 71), England (Kane – 70), and France (Giroud – 57).
Who are Portugal’s key players in the post-Ronaldo era?
Emerging talents like Francisco Trincão, Vitinha, and Gonçalo Ramos are seen as the future of Portugal’s squad.
Who will Portugal face in the UEFA Nations League semi-finals?
Portugal will take on Germany, who defeated Italy 5-4 on aggregate in the quarter-finals.
