Cristiano Ronaldo has become the male world record holder for most goals scored in internationals after his header against the Republic of Ireland.

Ronaldo’s 89-minute strike in Portugal’s World Cup qualifying match on Wednesday night means he now has 111 goals in 180 appearances for his country, breaking Ali Daei’s record of 109 goals for Iran.

Ronaldo had the chance to break the record earlier in the game after Portugal were awarded a penalty but Ireland’s 19-year-old goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu, who is on loan at League One Portsmouth from Manchester City, saved Ronaldo’s spot kick.

Bazunu denied Ronaldo a second time late into the second half after the 36-year-old’s free kick made it past the wall. Bazunu palmed it wide convincingly.

The Portuguese previously equalled Daei’s record with two converted penalties in his nation’s final Euro 2020 group match against France back in June.

The overall world record for international goals is held by Christine Sinclair of Canada. Sinclair, who picked up her first cap in the year 2000, has scored 187 goals in 304 appearances for her country.

On Tuesday, Manchester United confirmed Ronaldo’s return to the club after 12 years at Real Madrid and Juventus. He will make his debut under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on his return from international duty.

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