THE accolades just keep coming for Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Portuguese legend netted twice against Hungary in his country’s Euro 2020 opener to bring his international goal tally to a staggering 106 goals.
Now, CR7 is just three goals shy of Iranian striker Ali Daei’s all-time international goalscoring record.
However, his brilliant brace wasn’t the only amazing thing about last night’s performance – in a game in which he broke SIX records.
First to play at five different Euros
It’s incredible to think that Ronaldo’s Euros journey started in 2004 in his homeland.
That time it ended in tears for him, as the hosts lost to Greece 1-0 in a tense final.
Some 17-years later, Ronaldo is leading his country’s charge again – as reigning champions.
His appearance against Hungary meant he has played in five different Euros – which no player has ever done.
Oldest player to score for Portugal at a major tournament
When Ronaldo netted from the spot against Hungary, he became the oldest player to score a goal for Portugal at a major tournament aged 36 years, 130 days.
The record was previously set by Pepe at World Cup 2018 (35 years, 124 days).
It’s a record he can keep continually breaking at this Euros if he continues his scoring streak.
First player to score at five Euro tournaments
Astonishingly, Ronaldo has scored at every single European Championships he’s ever played in.
He scored in his first ever match in the competition in a group stage match against the Greece in a shock 2-1 loss in 2004.
In 2021, his strike from 12-yards meant he has managed to score in five different Euros.
Oldest player at Euros to net a double
When he cooly rounded Peter Gulacsi to net his second goal of the game against the Hungarians, yet another record was broken.
Cristiano became the oldest player to score at least two goals in a European Championship match.
He shattered a record originally set by Ukrainian legend Andriy Shevchenko when he was 35 years, 256 days at Euro 2012.
Euros all-time leading scorer
While his two goals meant he’s closing in on Daei’s all-time goalscoring record, Ronaldo did make Euros history on Tuesday evening.
Going into the Hungary match, he was tied with French legend Michel Platini on nine goals as Euros all-time top scorer.
However, his brace means he now leads that stat alone and has 11 goals in total.
Most victories by a player at the Euros
In aiding Portugal’s 3-0 victory over Hungary, Ronaldo achieved his own personal best.
He achieved the most victories by a player in the Euros – recording 12 victories.
The previous record was held by Spanish midfield maestros Cesc Fabregas and Andres Iniesta with 11 a piece.
With Ali Daei’s international goalscoring record firmly in his sights, you wouldn’t put it past Cristiano from shattering in the weeks ahead.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
