World's Best Goal Scorer – IFFHS

Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro is considered one of the greatest players in the history of football. Born on February 5, 1985, in Funchal, on the island of Madeira, Portugal, the Portuguese forward has established himself over the years as a dominant figure in world football thanks to his physical power, his goal-scoring ability, and his exceptional determination.

Throughout his career, Cristiano Ronaldo has received several awards from the IFFHS (International Federation of Football History & Statistics), including the title of World's Best Goal Scorer in 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, and 2019, as well as World's Best Top Division Goal Scorer in 2014 and 2015. These accolades confirm his incredible consistency at the highest level and his status as a benchmark among the greatest goal scorers in football history.

A meteoric rise to the summit of world football

Cristiano Ronaldo began his professional career at Sporting CP, where he was quickly noticed for his technical skills and speed. At just 18, he joined Manchester United in 2003, under the guidance of legendary coach Sir Alex Ferguson.

During his six seasons in England, Ronaldo became one of the best players in the world. He notably won three consecutive Premier League titles, as well as the UEFA Champions League in 2008. The same year, he received his first Ballon d'Or, recognizing an exceptional season marked by 42 goals across all competitions.

In 2009, he joined Real Madrid for a then-record transfer fee. His time at the Madrid club remains one of the most impressive in football history. In nine seasons, he scored 450 goals in 438 matches, becoming the club's all-time leading goal scorer. With Real Madrid, he notably won four UEFA Champions League titles, including three consecutively between 2016 and 2018.

An exceptional international career with Portugal

With the Portuguese national team, Cristiano Ronaldo also became a historic figure. He made his international debut in 2003 and quickly established himself as his team's leader.

As captain of Portugal, he led his national team to its first major international title at Euro 2016, won in France. Three years later, he also contributed to Portugal's victory in the UEFA Nations League 2019.

Throughout his international career, Ronaldo became the all-time leading goal scorer for the Portuguese national team and one of the most capped players in world football.

A legend of modern football

With five Ballons d'Or, four European Golden Shoes, several IFFHS trophies, and hundreds of goals scored in the biggest competitions, Cristiano Ronaldo embodies excellence and longevity at the highest level.

His legendary rivalry with Lionel Messi has marked a whole generation of fans and contributed to elevating the level of world football over the past two decades.

Thanks to his professionalism, his ability to push his limits, and his efficiency in front of goal, Cristiano Ronaldo remains one of the most influential and iconic players in football history today.

Available products

Discover the official IFFHS LEGEND editions dedicated to Cristiano Ronaldo, celebrating one of the greatest goal scorers in world football history.