Ronaldo’s 9 records are almost impossible to break

Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo holds several records that are almost impossible to break. He has dominated the football world for more than two decades.

After announcing his retirement from international football in a video message on Thursday, several of his achievements have come into the spotlight. Among them are nine records that will be a major challenge for future generations of footballers.

1. Most goals in internationals

Ronaldo holds the record for the most goals scored for the national team. His number of goals in the Portugal jersey is 146. He is 20 goals ahead of Lionel Messi in second place. Iran's Ali Daei, who was once in a fight with Ronaldo for this record, is now far behind. Among current footballers, Romelu Lukaku is in fourth place with 94 goals. Robert Lewandowski also has 92 goals. England captain Harry Kane needs to score more than 50 goals to break Ronaldo's record. 

2. The highest number of matches in international football

Not only scoring goals, Ronaldo also holds the record for most appearances for the national team. He has played 234 matches for Portugal in his 23-year international career. Messi, who is second on the list, has 208 matches. Among those currently playing, Qatar's Hassan Al Haydos is in a good position with 193 matches, but he is far from Ronaldo's record.

3. Most international goals after the age of thirty

One of the most surprising aspects of Ronaldo's career has been his consistent goal-scoring record as he ages. He had 52 goals for Portugal before turning 30. Yet he has scored 94 more goals for the same national team since turning 30. Messi, who is second on the list, has scored 68 international goals since turning 30. 

4. Most goals in different matches

Ronaldo is not only at the top of the list in terms of total goals, but also in terms of the number of different matches he has scored in. He has scored in 96 different matches for Portugal. The main basis of this record is his ability to score goals consistently over a long period of time.

5. Most goals against national teams

Ronaldo also leads the way in international football in terms of the diversity of opponents he faces. He has scored against 49 different national teams for Portugal, three more than Messi.

6. 23 consecutive years of scoring goals

Ronaldo's international career spans 23 years. He has scored goals every year during this long period. There has not been a year of his career without a goal.

7. Most goals in the Euros

Ronaldo is also the top scorer in the European Championship, or Euros, with 14 goals in the tournament.

8. Most matches in the European Championship

In addition to scoring goals at the Euros, Ronaldo also holds the record for most appearances, having played a total of 30 matches in Europe's biggest national team competition.

9. Goals in six World Cups

Ronaldo holds a unique feat in World Cup history. He is the first and only player to have scored in all six World Cups.