Real Madrid Icon Reacts to Cristiano Ronaldo’s Record Appearances for Portugal

Real Madrid Icon Reacts to Cristiano Ronaldo’s Record Appearances for Portugal

Ero Samson
updated at June 21, 2023 at 1:51 PM
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  • Cristiano Ronaldo became the first male footballer to reach 200 international appearances
  • The former Real Madrid forward's achievement was recognised by Guinness World Records
  • Ronaldo was also lauded by a former Los Blancos teammate for his milestone achievement

Former Real Madrid captain, Marcelo, reacted positively to Cristiano Ronaldo's Instagram video after reaching a significant milestone with Portugal.

Portugal boss, Roberto Martinez, named Ronaldo in the starting XI to face Iceland in Tuesday’s European Championship qualifier, allowing him to make his 200th appearance in international football.

Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo became the first male footballer to reach 200 appearances. Image: Will Palmer.
Source: Getty Images

The 38-year-old was honoured by the Guinness Book of World Records before kick-off for becoming the first man to earn 200 international caps.

The Al-Nassr star marked the historic occasion in the best possible way, scoring the only goal to take his team to a hard-fought 1-0 victory.

After the game, Ronaldo took to Instagram, uploading a reel to express his joy in being able to achieve the milestone for his country's Selecao.

“200 games with the same commitment, dedication, and responsibility, just like the first time I played with this jersey. I am here, continuing to score, pursuing my dream, and giving my all for the team and for our country. Por Amor a Portugal”

His former teammate, Marcelo, was quick to congratulate his friend. The former Real Madrid captain replied with three heart-eye emojis in the comments.

Ronaldo and Marcelo enjoyed nine golden years together at Los Blancos, forming one of the most formidable winger-fullback pairings in history.

They played 332 matches together across competitions, combining for 33 goals, per Transfermarkt. The pair won two La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League trophies, plus other honours.

Ronaldo shows support for Martinez

Ronaldo has also thrown his support behind Martinez, stating the Portuguese national team coach needs time. This came after he led the team to a 1-0 victory against Iceland in a UEFA Euro 2024 qualifier.

As earlier reported by Goal, many have met the appointment of the former Belgium coach with a lot of scepticism, with some even of the opinion that former manager, Fernando Santos was better.

Ronaldo, a former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward, scored the only goal of the match against Iceland in his Guiness record-making 200th appearance for his country.

Guinness World Records honours Ronaldo

Sports Brief earlier reported on Guinness World Records recognising Ronaldo after his achievement of reaching 200 international caps for Portugal.

As a tribute to his historic accomplishment, the Al-Nassr captain was presented with an official certificate by representatives of Guinness.

Authors
Ero Samson photo
Ero Samson
Samson Ero is a sports journalist with a track record of over five years in the Nigerian media industry. He graduated from Nigerian Institute of Journalism (2021-2023).
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