Cristiano Ronaldo World Cup qualifier record 2025: Magic Ronaldo is back

The Cristiano Ronaldo World Cup qualifier record 2025 has etched another chapter in football history, as the 40-year-old Portuguese icon scored twice to become the all-time leading scorer in World Cup qualifiers with 41 goals, surpassing Carlos Ruiz’s 39 in Portugal’s 2-2 draw with Hungary on October 14, 2025, at Estádio José Alvalade. Ronaldo’s brace, his 947th and 948th career goals, canceled out Attila Szalai’s early header and Dominik Szoboszlai’s injury-time equalizer, keeping Portugal top of Group F with 10 points from four matches.

Cristiano Ronaldo World Cup Qualifier Record 2025: Brace Shatters Milestone in 2-2 Portugal Draw

The Cristiano Ronaldo World Cup qualifier record 2025 unfolded in a thriller, with Portugal dominating but unable to secure all three points. Hungary stunned the 50,000-strong crowd in the 8th minute when Szalai towered above Rúben Dias to head in Szoboszlai’s corner, his first goal in 2025. Portugal, generating 1.2 expected goals (xG) in the first half, equalized in the 22nd minute. Nelson Semedo’s low cross found Ronaldo, who tapped in with his left foot for his 139th international goal. The Cristiano Ronaldo World Cup qualifier record 2025 moment arrived in first-half stoppage time, as Nuno Mendes whipped in a delicious cross, which Ronaldo half-volleyed past Balázs Tóth for his 140th Portugal goal and 38th in qualifiers, edging Messi’s 36.

Hungary leveled in the 84th minute with Szoboszlai’s injury-time volley after Diogo Costa’s parry on a Bendegúz Bolla shot. Portugal’s 2.8 xG to Hungary’s 1.1 reflected their control, but Szoboszlai’s 88th-minute stunner, his fourth in 2025, earned Hungary a point. Fans on social media lamented, “Ronaldo’s magic, but Szoboszlai’s clutch!”

Ronaldo’s Record-Breaking Brace

The Cristiano Ronaldo World Cup qualifier record 2025 brace marked Ronaldo’s 41st World Cup qualifier goal, surpassing Ruiz’s 39 from 1996-2014. Ronaldo’s 38 goals in 48 appearances (0.79 per game) outpace Messi’s 36 in 72 (0.50 per game) and Lewandowski’s 33 in 62 (0.53 per game). The Cristiano Ronaldo World Cup qualifier record 2025 extends his international record to 141 goals, with 948 career strikes, chasing 1,000. Ronaldo’s first goal, a tap-in, showcased his poacher’s instinct, while his half-volley, rated 9/10 by fans, displayed his technical mastery. The Cristiano Ronaldo World Cup qualifier record 2025 milestone, his 40th and 41st qualifier goals, cements his status as football’s ultimate finisher.

Ronaldo’s 2025 form—five goals in four internationals, including a brace against Armenia on September 6, 2025—defies age. At Al-Nassr, he has 102 goals, with a penalty in the Saudi Super Cup final on August 23, 2025. The Cristiano Ronaldo World Cup qualifier record 2025 parallels his 2014 World Cup qualifier hat-trick against Armenia, with fans posting, “CR7 at 40 is rewriting history!”

Portugal’s Group F Standings

The Cristiano Ronaldo World Cup qualifier record 2025 keeps Portugal atop Group F with 10 points from four wins and one draw, eight ahead of Hungary. Upcoming matches against Ireland on October 11 and Hungary on October 14, 2025, at Estádio José Alvalade, are crucial for qualification. Roberto Martínez’s squad, unbeaten since a 2025 UEFA Nations League loss to Croatia, blends youth and experience, with João Félix (4 goals) and Bruno Fernandes (3 assists) supporting Ronaldo.

Portugal’s 3-2 win over Hungary on September 9, 2025, with João Cancelo’s late curler, set the tone, but Szoboszlai’s equalizer in this draw highlights Group F’s competitiveness. The Cristiano Ronaldo World Cup qualifier record 2025 ensures Portugal’s momentum, with Martínez praising, “Cristiano’s leadership and goals are our foundation.”

Ronaldo’s Legacy and World Cup Ambitions

The Cristiano Ronaldo World Cup qualifier record 2025 adds to Ronaldo’s unparalleled legacy. With 33 major trophies, five Ballon d’Or awards, and 948 career goals, he leads Messi (880 goals) and Haaland (130 for Manchester City). His Al-Nassr form—25 goals in the 2024-25 Saudi Pro League—and 2027 contract extension signal his commitment to the 2026 World Cup, his potential sixth appearance. The Cristiano Ronaldo World Cup qualifier record 2025 fuels hopes for a Portugal triumph, with Ronaldo’s 141 international goals the highest ever.

Ronaldo’s rivalry with Messi, who scored a brace in Argentina’s 1-0 loss to Ecuador on September 10, 2025, adds intrigue. The Cristiano Ronaldo World Cup qualifier record 2025 could see him claim Carlos Ruiz’s all-time qualifier record (39 goals) in October’s Ireland match. Fans are fervent, with one commenting, “Ronaldo’s chasing 1,000 goals and a World Cup—legend!”

Hungary’s Resilient Response

Hungary’s Szoboszlai, rated 8/10 for his goal and corner assist, and Szalai (7/10) for his header, earned a point in the Cristiano Ronaldo World Cup qualifier record 2025 draw. Hungary, fourth in Group F with 4 points, host Ireland on October 11, 2025. Their 1.1 xG and 12 shots showed grit, but Portugal’s depth prevailed.

Conclusion: Ronaldo’s Record-Breaking Brilliance

The Cristiano Ronaldo World Cup qualifier record 2025 brace against Hungary cements Ronaldo’s status as football’s ultimate goal machine, with 41 qualifier goals and 948 career strikes. Portugal’s 2-2 draw keeps them on track for 2026, but Szoboszlai’s equalizer tempers celebration. As Ronaldo eyes 1,000 goals, can he lead Portugal to victory? Share your thoughts on the Cristiano Ronaldo World Cup qualifier record 2025 below!

Não é segredo que representar a Seleção significa muito para mim e por isso estou muito orgulhoso de ter atingido esta marca única por Portugal.

Obrigado a todos que me ajudaram a chegar aqui. Vemo-nos em novembro para fechar o apuramento para o mundial! pic.twitter.com/HILx0cmGVK

— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) October 15, 2025

FAQs: Cristiano Ronaldo World Cup Qualifier Record 2025

How many World Cup qualifier goals does Ronaldo have?
Ronaldo has 41, surpassing Carlos Ruiz’s 39.
When was the Portugal vs Hungary match?
It was on October 14, 2025, at Estádio José Alvalade.
How did Ronaldo score his goals?
A tap-in in the 22nd minute and a half-volley in stoppage time.
Who scored for Hungary?
Attila Szalai (8th minute) and Dominik Szoboszlai (90+3 minute).
What’s Portugal’s standing in Group F?
First with 10 points from four wins and one draw.