Football

Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo creates history, becomes first player to make 200 international appearances

Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kante also join Ronaldo and Neves in the Saudi Pro League. The French pair have joined champions Al Ittihad.

Jun 21, 2023 12:29 pm

Star Portugal footballer Cristiano Ronaldo creates history by becoming the first male player to have 200 international appearances. The 38-year-old broke this record as he is set to face Iceland in Euro 2024 qualifiers. The Guinness Book of Records has recognised Cristiano Ronaldo’s accomplishments. Before Portugal’s match against Iceland, the captain was awarded a certificate for his achievements.

Notably, this is just another pearl in Ronaldo’s string of pearls. He is the top goal scorer in International matches with 122 goals in 200 games. However, the Al-Nassr forward has been phenomenal for his national team and is willing to play for them in the upcoming years too. While speaking in an interview this week Ronaldo said that he will never give up on coming here ( to play for the national team).

“I’ll stay here until I, the [football federation] president and the coach believe I can. I’ll never give up coming here, because it’s always a dream. Representing the national team is the height of the career. I want to keep playing, and make my family, friends and Portuguese happy”, he said to GOAL.

Portugal superstar Ruben Neves joins Saudi Pro League

Ahead of Portugal’s qualifier match against Iceland, Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Ruben Neves joins Saudi Pro League. He is the second Portuguese player after Ronaldo to head to the Middle East. According to media reports he has been offered a paycheck of 47 Million euros by Saudi Giants AL Hilal. He has agreed to personal terms, and the signing is expected to be announced this week.

Neves, 26, is considered one of the Premier League‘s most inventive midfielders. Last season, he had six goals and one assist in 41 games across all competitions. Manchester United and Barcelona were interested in the former FC Porto midfielder. Al Hilal, on the other hand, stepped in and signed the Portugal international. Notably, Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante also join Ronaldo and Neves in the Saudi Pro League. The French pair have joined champions Al Ittihad.