 "Cristiano Ronaldo before a match for Al Nassr. Image: Reuters")
Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has etched his name in history yet again, becoming the first and only footballer to register 700 club victories. The incredible milestone was achieved after his side, Al-Nassr, defeated Al-Raed 2-1 in the Saudi Pro League on Thursday. Not even his long-time rival, Lionel Messi, comes close to this record.
Ronaldo’s unparalleled club victories record
According to Marca, Ronaldo’s 700 wins across club football are distributed as follows:
• Sporting CP – 13 wins
• Manchester United – 214 wins
• Real Madrid – 316 wins
• Juventus – 91 wins
• Al-Nassr – 66 wins
This historic achievement adds to Ronaldo’s long list of records, as he remains the top goalscorer in football history. Messi follows in second place but with a significant gap in goal tally.
Most goals in football history (all competitions):
1. Cristiano Ronaldo – 921 goals
2. Lionel Messi – 850 goals
3. Pele – 762 goals
4. Romario – 756 goals
5. Ferenc Puskas – 725 goals
Ronaldo’s road to 700 club victories
Ronaldo’s journey to footballing greatness began in 2002 with Sporting CP, before he earned a move to Manchester United in 2003. During his first stint at United (2003-2009), he won multiple trophies, including the Premier League, FA Cup, UEFA Champions League , and FIFA Club World Cup. He also claimed his first Ballon d’Or in 2008.
In 2009, Ronaldo made history again, moving to Real Madrid for a then-world record €94 million (£80 million) transfer. In Spain, he cemented his legacy as one of football’s greatest-ever players, winning four more Ballon d’Or titles and helping Madrid dominate European football. He became Real Madrid’s all-time top goalscorer, the Champions League’s all-time top scorer, and the top scorer in the UCL for six consecutive seasons (2012-2018).
In 2018, Ronaldo signed for Juventus in a €100 million (£88 million) move, the most expensive transfer for a player over 30. After three successful years in Italy, he made a sensational return to Manchester United in 2021, but his second stint ended in controversy and he made an exit on a sour note.
Ronaldo shocked the world by joining Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr in 2022, signing the highest football salary ever, €200 million per year. Despite his age, he continues to dominate, proving why he is one of the greatest footballers of all time.