Cristiano Ronaldo: 8 Top Countries Forward Would Be the Top Scorer if He Started Career at 30

• Cristiano Ronaldo bagged a brace for Portugal as he continues his goal-scoring spree at the age of 38
• The Portugal superstar appears to have gotten much better since turning 30
• His 73 goals since clocking 30 puts him ahead of several nations’ all-time goal-scorers

Cristiano Ronaldo would be the top scorer in several top nations if he began his international career at 30, stats have shown.

The Portugal superstar proved once again why he is arguably the greatest ever marksman in football history with a brace for his nation in a 3-2 win over Slovakia in Euro 2024 qualifiers.

Before that game, Ronaldo was already in the history books, as he beat Iran's Ali Daei in June 2021 to become the men’s football’s top scorer in terms of international goals after two goals against the Republic of Ireland.

There were initial suggestions that the forward’s international career was fizzling out, especially after a disappointing World Cup campaign in Qatar last year.

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But Ronaldo, known for his relentless nature, has turned the corner since the start of the year, netting seven goals in six appearances for his country in 2023.

Ageing like fine wine

To put Ronaldo’s brilliance to perspective, he seems to get better with age, as stats on Transfermakt say he has netted an impressive 73 goals in 125 appearancces for Portugal since his 30th birthday.

This is quite remarkable compared to 52 goals he got in 118 games prior to that, when many football players are considered to be in their prime.

According to @TeamCRonaldo on X, his 73 strikes since turning 30 for Portugal would place him as the top scorer in more than 184 nations.

Sports Brief takes a look at some of the all-time goal scorers for some notable nations which Ronaldo stands miles ahead with his goals since turning 30.

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Germany – Miroslav Klose, 71 goals

Spain - David Villa, 51 goals

France – Olivier Giroud, 54 goals

Netherlands – Robin Van Persie, 50 goals

England – Harry Kane, 59 goals

Uruguay - Luis Suarez, 68 goals

Croatia – Davor Suker, 45 goals

Denmark – Poul Nielsen, 53 goals

Ronaldo’s long-time rival Lionel Messi’s Argentina is not on this list as Messi has an impressive record for his country, netting 104 goals in 177 matches.

Ronaldo’s mother overcome with emotion

Sports Brief reported on how Cristiano Ronaldo’s mother was overcome with emotion after the superstar received an award.

Recently, the Portuguese forward achieved a historic international milestone by becoming the first male football player to reach 200 appearances in international football.

While the tributes poured in for the Portuguese icon, it was the emotional reaction of Ronaldo's mother that truly resonated with fans.