Cristiano Ronaldo has achieved nearly everything imaginable in football, but defeating Germany on the international stage had long eluded him—until now.
On Tuesday night, the Portuguese legend finally laid that ghost to rest, scoring the decisive goal in Portugal’s UEFA Nations League semi-final win over Germany in Munich.
The 40-year-old forward not only propelled his team into the final but also continued to shatter records. His winning goal was the 137th of his international career and 937th overall—both standing as all-time men’s records.
This landmark strike was also his second against Germany in six appearances, improving a personal record that had previously been his worst against any national team.
Before Tuesday’s clash, Ronaldo had faced Germany five times and lost all five, with Portugal’s last win against them coming way back in Euro 2000. That losing streak has now ended, giving Portugal—and Ronaldo—a historic victory.
The only team Ronaldo has played more often without securing a regulation win is England, against whom he has drawn three times.
However, Portugal won two of those matches on penalties—in the Euro 2004 and 2006 World Cup quarter-finals.
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Interestingly, Germany had also been a rare weak spot in Ronaldo’s scoring prowess. Until this match, he had managed only one goal in 450 minutes against the Germans. He has now doubled that tally, bringing his goals-per-minute ratio against them to one every 270 minutes.
Ironically, Ronaldo has thrived against German clubs in European competition, netting 28 goals in 26 UEFA Champions League matches.
Since turning 30, Ronaldo has remarkably scored 85 goals for Portugal—more than most international players have in their entire careers.
Only five players in football history have exceeded that number, placing Ronaldo’s late-career surge into an elite category.
His international tally eclipses the totals of global icons like Pele, Diego Maradona, Ferenc Puskas, Neymar, and Harry Kane.
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez praised Ronaldo’s relentless drive: “He treats every day like a new chance to improve. When many would grow complacent, he finds fresh hunger.” Midfielder Bernardo Silva added, “His ambition is unmatched. He’s been doing this for over two decades and still shows up with the same fire.”
As for what comes next, Ronaldo’s club future remains uncertain. Having spent two-and-a-half years with Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr, he announced via social media that “this chapter is over,” sparking speculation he may depart. However, several outlets now suggest he may extend his stay with a new deal lasting until age 42.
Additionally, FIFA President Gianni Infantino hinted Ronaldo could feature in this summer’s expanded Club World Cup. Though Al-Nassr did not qualify, he could join another team temporarily—Brazilian side Botafogo has been linked.
Ronaldo now stands just 63 goals away from reaching 1,000 official career goals, a feat no other player has achieved. With 35 goals last season alone, he could realistically reach that target within two years, provided his extraordinary form cocontinues.
BBC
