Cristiano Ronaldo looks to make Scotland his 48th career victim

Having reached a remarkable milestone with his 900th career goal against Croatia on Thursday night, Cristiano Ronaldo is showing no signs of slowing down.

As he prepares to lead Portugal once again, the legendary forward is determined to continue adding to his extraordinary goal tally. This Sunday, as Portugal faces Scotland, Ronaldo aims to make the Tartan Army his 48th victim, adding another chapter to his illustrious international career.

Ronaldo, who has dominated headlines for over two decades with his relentless pursuit of records and achievements, now stands on the brink of extending his legacy even further. Having already scored against 47 different international teams while representing Portugal, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner is now looking to make Scotland the next team to fall prey to his clinical finishing. This match marks the first time Ronaldo will face the Scottish national team, and the stakes are high as he looks to cement his place in history with yet another goal.

The 38-year-old forward's journey with the Portugal national team is nothing short of legendary. Since making his debut in 2003, Ronaldo has become synonymous with international success, amassing 213 caps for his country and contributing an astonishing 131 goals, alongside 34 assists. His leadership, determination, and knack for rising to the occasion in crucial moments have made him a talismanic figure for Portugal, leading them to European glory at Euro 2016 and the inaugural UEFA Nations League title in 2019.

Ronaldo's list of victims on the international stage is as varied as it is impressive. His goals have come against some of the world's strongest teams, but no team has suffered more at his hands than Luxembourg, who have conceded 11 goals to the Portuguese superstar over the years. His dominance against the smaller nations has been well documented, with Lithuania and Sweden also finding themselves on the receiving end of Ronaldo's brilliance, each conceding seven goals to the prolific forward. His ability to consistently find the back of the net, regardless of the opposition, has set him apart as one of the greatest goal scorers in football history.

Against Scotland, Ronaldo will be hoping to replicate the kind of form that has seen him torment defenders for over two decades. Despite his age, Ronaldo continues to defy expectations, maintaining an elite level of fitness and sharpness that allows him to compete at the highest level. His 900th career goal against Croatia was a testament to his enduring quality and hunger for more. Even as his career enters its later stages, Ronaldo remains a crucial figure for both his club and country, with every game offering him another opportunity to make history.

As the captain of Portugal, Ronaldo’s leadership both on and off the pitch has been invaluable. His presence alone lifts the team, and his ability to inspire those around him is a key reason why Portugal has remained competitive on the global stage. For the younger players coming through the ranks, having a role model like Ronaldo to look up to is an immense advantage, and his work ethic, professionalism, and commitment to excellence continue to set the standard for the next generation of footballers.

Ronaldo’s relationship with records is unparalleled in the football world. From becoming the all-time top scorer in the UEFA Champions League to surpassing Ali Daei’s long-standing record as the highest scorer in international football, Ronaldo has made a career out of breaking barriers. The possibility of adding another team to his list of international victims is just the latest chapter in a career filled with extraordinary accomplishments.

For Ronaldo, scoring against Scotland would be more than just another goal it would be another step toward reinforcing his legacy as the greatest international scorer the game has ever seen. His tally of 131 international goals has already surpassed that of any other player in history, but his relentless drive means he is always pushing for more. Scotland, like the 47 other teams before them, will be wary of the threat he poses. His ability to score from a variety of positions whether through headers, free-kicks, or his trademark powerful strikes makes him one of the most complete forwards to ever grace the game.

As Ronaldo enters the latter stages of his career, every goal he scores takes on greater significance. He has already defied the odds by continuing to perform at an elite level well into his late 30s, and his hunger to remain at the top shows no signs of diminishing. The game against Scotland represents another opportunity for Ronaldo to remind the world why he is still a force to be reckoned with in international football.

For Portugal, Ronaldo’s continued form is a huge boost as they prepare for upcoming tournaments, including the 2024 European Championship. Having their captain in such impressive shape bodes well for the team's chances of success, and the younger players in the squad will undoubtedly benefit from his experience and leadership as they aim to follow in his footsteps.

Ronaldo’s achievements on the international stage have already earned him a place among football’s all-time greats, but the story is far from over. With every match he plays, every goal he scores, and every record he breaks, Ronaldo continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the sport. His desire to keep improving, even after reaching the pinnacle of the game, sets him apart as a truly exceptional athlete.

As Ronaldo prepares to take on Scotland, the world will be watching to see if he can add another name to his ever-growing list of international victims. Whether he scores or not, his impact on the game and his legacy as one of football's greatest icons is already secure. But for a player like Ronaldo, who thrives on challenges and embraces the pursuit of excellence, there is always another goal to be scored, another record to be broken, and another moment of brilliance to be delivered.