Cristiano Ronaldo becomes most-capped men’s player in history

Portuguese football legend, Cristiano Ronaldo on Thursday night, became the most-capped player in men’s international football.

Ronaldo started in Portugal’s European qualifier against Liechtenstein to make his 197th appearance with the national team, breaking a tie with Kuwait’s Bader Al-Mutawa.

He led Portugal to a 4-0 triumph against Liechtenstein, scoring a brace. The veteran’s first strike was a penalty, while his second was a ferocious free kick.

38-year-old Ronaldo became Europe’s most-capped player in 2021 after surpassing Sergio Ramos’ mark of 180 appearances with Spain.

With his 197th international appearance for Portugal Ronaldo leapfrogged Kuwait legend Bader Al-Mutawa (196 caps). Malaysian icon Soh Chin Ann is third on the list with 195 caps, Egyptian Ahmed Hassan (184) on fourth, and Oman great Ahmed Mubarak (183) is fifth.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is also the fifth oldest ever to play for the national team at 38. Only Pepe, Damas, Silvino, and Fonte played for Portugal being older.

Ronaldo made his international debut in 2003 and became the first man to score in five World Cups last year before Portugal lost to Morocco in the quarterfinals.