YEREVAN, Armenia (BN24) — Cristiano Ronaldo netted a brace as Portugal cruised to a 5-0 victory over Armenia in their bid to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The two goals brought Ronaldo’s career tally to 942 goals for both club and country, further solidifying his place as one of football’s greatest goal scorers.
Ronaldo’s remarkable achievement was highlighted by a post from renowned football journalist Fabrizio Romano, who noted on Sunday via X, “140 international goals, 942 career goals… and counting for Cristiano Ronaldo.”
Before the match, a minute’s silence was observed at the Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium in Yerevan to honor Portugal’s former international forward Jota, who earned 49 caps for the national team. Banners were displayed around the stadium in tribute to Jota, who passed away recently.
The 40-year-old Ronaldo continues to defy age, adding to his already impressive record. His brace brings him closer to the elusive 1,000-goal milestone, a feat that has never been officially recorded in modern football.
Portugal dominated the match from the outset, with João Félix opening the scoring in the 10th minute. Ronaldo doubled their lead shortly after, converting a cross from Pedro Neto to make it 2-0. João Cancelo celebrated his 3-0 goal by mimicking Jota’s iconic video game celebration, paying further tribute to the former forward.
Ronaldo then extended Portugal’s lead to four shortly after halftime with a stunning long-range strike, hitting a bouncing ball with precision from outside the box. Félix added a second goal to complete the 5-0 scoreline, ensuring Portugal’s dominance in the Group J qualifier.
Ronaldo’s brace not only helped Portugal maintain their perfect start in the World Cup qualifiers but also continued his relentless pursuit of football history as he edges closer to 1,000 career goals—a feat that would forever cement his legendary status.
