Cristiano Ronaldo Receives Guinness World Record Certificate After Making 200th International Appearances

Cristiano Ronaldo, the renowned football maestro, has always thrived on special occasions, and once again, he demonstrated his brilliance by securing a crucial victory on the very night he was bestowed with a distinguished honor for his 200th appearance in international matches.

Playing for Al-Nassr, Ronaldo received a prestigious Guinness World Records certificate, recognizing him as the male player with the highest number of international caps. The closest contender to Ronaldo's impressive tally is Bader Al-Mutawa, who accumulated 196 appearances while representing Kuwait. Interestingly, Ronaldo celebrated this milestone by delivering a decisive blow in the 89th minute, propelling Portugal to a 1-0 triumph over Iceland, who had been reduced to ten men after the expulsion of Willum Thor Willumson.

At the ripe age of 38, Ronaldo exhibited his exceptional goal-scoring instincts, expertly converting Goncalo Inacio's header into a spectacular poacher's finish. His jubilation knew no bounds as he celebrated the goal with unrestrained passion. Initially ruled offside during the build-up, there was a brief pause before the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) intervened, affirming Ronaldo's goal and igniting euphoria among the Portuguese supporters.

Ronaldo's journey with the Portuguese national team commenced in August 2003, when he made his senior debut against Kazakhstan. Throughout his illustrious career, he has shattered records and etched his name in football history. Not only is he Portugal's all-time leading scorer with a remarkable 123 goals, but he has also achieved monumental success on the international stage. Ronaldo played a pivotal role in Portugal's triumph at the 2016 European Championship and was instrumental in securing victory in the Nations League in 2019.

Expressing his sentiments prior to the Iceland match, Ronaldo, as reported by ESPN, shared, "Having played 200 games signifies the immense love I possess for my country. This milestone holds tremendous significance for me. It means the world. No other male player has reached this beautiful number. I am immensely proud because achieving this milestone seemed beyond my wildest dreams. Yet, here I am, continuously setting new records."

Furthermore, during the World Cup in Qatar last year, Ronaldo etched his name in the annals of football history by becoming the first male player to score in five consecutive World Cups. Additionally, he boasts the remarkable distinction of holding the record for the most international hat-tricks, amassing a phenomenal ten throughout his career.

Cristiano Ronaldo's extraordinary journey continues to captivate the footballing world, as he constantly raises the bar, leaving an indelible mark on the beautiful game. With each match and milestone, he reaffirms his status as one of the greatest athletes to have ever graced the sport.