Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal Record Since Turning 30 is Better Than Most Players Ever Achieve

Despite ongoing uncertainty over his international future, Cristiano Ronaldo’s goalscoring continues unabated. His incredible tally of goals post-30 highlights his refusal to fade into the background for Portugal.

Cristiano Ronaldo got on the scoresheet but also missed a penalty as Portugal edged a thrilling encounter with Denmark to reach the UEFA Nations League semi-finals. The quarter-final ended 3-3 on aggregate after 90 minutes, before Portugal scored twice in extra-time to seal victory.

Portugal’s captain was once again the centre of attention on an eventful night. He looked to have the perfect opportunity to open the scoring when Patrick Dorgu brought him down in the box. However, Ronaldo’s stuttering penalty was comfortably saved by Kasper Schmeichel.

It was one of five attempts that the former Leicester goalkeeper kept out from Ronaldo, who – as ever – seemed on a personal mission to get on the scoresheet. He eventually did, restoring Portugal’s lead with a close-range finish in the 72nd minute.

For years, it has felt as though Portugal have been preparing for life post-Ronaldo. Francisco Trincão scored twice off the bench in a decisive performance; 25-year-old Vitinha pulled the strings in midfield; Gonçalo Ramos – long seen as the heir apparent to Ronaldo – scored the goal that sealed the win.

Yet, at 40 years old, Ronaldo keeps going. He keeps getting picked. For better or worse – and at times, to the apparent detriment of the team – he remains ever-present.

What’s indisputable, though, is Ronaldo’s extraordinary goalscoring record. Already the all-time leading scorer in men’s international football, this latest strike was his 136th for Portugal.

Perhaps most remarkable is his output since turning 30. A staggering 84 of those 136 international goals have come after hitting that milestone.

To put that into context, only seven national teams in men’s history have a top scorer with a higher career tally than Ronaldo’s post-30 record alone:

Ronaldo has scored more international goals after turning 30 than other genuine legends of the game have managed in their careers overall. It’s more than the all-time top scorers for Brazil (Neymar – 79), Germany (Miroslav Klose – 71), England (Harry Kane – 70) and France (Olivier Giroud – 57).

Ronaldo’s international efficiency has also improved dramatically in his later years. His 84 goals since turning 30 have come in just 101 appearances, at a strike rate of 0.83 goals per game. Before turning 30, he scored 52 goals in 118 matches (0.44 goals per game).

Of course, this post-30 renaissance has been aided in part by the introduction of new competitions such as the UEFA Nations League, which has increased the frequency of international fixtures. But few players, if any, have exploited those opportunities as consistently as Ronaldo.

Looking ahead, Roberto Martínez’s side will face Germany in the semi-finals after Julian Nagelsmann’s men edged out Italy 5-4 on aggregate in their quarter-final tie.

Ronaldo’s future in international football remains a topic of debate, but his impact remains undeniable. Even at 40, he continues to make history.

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