•Cristiano Ronaldo
Portugal striker Cristiano Ronaldo became the top goalscorer in World Cup qualifying history at the age of 40 yesterday against Hungary.
Ronaldo netted his 40th and 41st qualifying goals, overtaking retired Guatemala international Carlos Ruiz, who scored 39 between 1998 and 2016, reports AFP.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner levelled for Portugal against Hungary in a 2026 World Cup qualifier after 22 minutes by finishing from Nelson Semedo’s cross.
Ronaldo pounced again before half-time after being set up by Nuno Mendes to give Portugal a 2-1 lead at the break.
If Roberto Martinez’s side had gone on to win they would have qualified for next summer’s tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
However, Dominik Szoboszlai struck in stoppage time to make Portugal wait and boost his nation’s hopes of making it to the tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Ronaldo, also the all-time top international goalscorer with 143 strikes, is aiming to play at a sixth World Cup.
