Cristiano Ronaldo: Top five moments from his international career as World Cup dream ends

Cristiano Ronaldo has succumbed to the reality that he’ll never win a World Cup after Portugal were eliminated by Spain.

However, his international career is still full of excellent moments. And with that in mind, we’re counting down his top five.

5) Hat-trick against Spain at FIFA World Cup 2018

The Iberian derby is one of the biggest fixtures in international football. And in big moments, Cristiano Ronaldo always delivered. During a 2018 FIFA World Cup group stage match, the superstar put three past Spain, including a blistering free-kick to equalise in the 88th minute.

4) Winning the 2019 Nations League

Ronaldo won his second international trophy during the inaugural Nations League. The icon played a massive role in guiding his side to glory, with the all-time great bagging a hat-trick in the semi-final against Switzerland, before joyfully lifting the trophy following a victory on penalties in the final against Spain.

3) Breaking international goal-scoring record

When it comes to scoring goals, there are few, if any, more lethal than Ronaldo. And the numbers back that up.

In September 2021, the superstar surpassed Iran’s Ali Daei, by scoring his 110th and 111th international goals during a World Cup qualifying victory over the Republic of Ireland.

Since that day, Ronaldo has continued to improve the record, having now hit the back of the net 146 times for Portugal.

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2) Wink at Wayne Rooney at FIFA World Cup 2006

While 20 years have passed, this memory is still very much fresh in the minds of many England fans. In the 61st minute of a tight quarter-final, Wayne Rooney stamped on Ricardo Carvalho. His Manchester United teammate at the time proceeded to complain to the referee, who sent ‘Wazza’ off. After the decision was made, Ronaldo winked at the Portuguese bench, sending ‘Three Lions’ enthusiasts into meltdown.

1) Winning the 2016 European Championship

While Ronaldo had achieved so much in the club game, his legacy desperately needed an international trophy. And in 2016, it got just that. After scoring three goals in the European Championship, the legend was injured during the final. And thus, had to watch the match with France play out on the sidelines.

To his delight, Eder beat the goalkeeper in the 109th minute. Ronaldo joyfully lifted the trophy, knowing he’d added the cherry on top of an already delicious cake.