Cristiano Ronaldo becomes top men’s goalscorer in football history

With recently retired NFL legend Tom Brady watching from the Old Trafford stands, Ronaldo bagged his first Manchester United treble since 2008

In the 81st minute Ronaldo claimed his 807th career goal, making him the top-scoring men’s player in history, according to Fifa statistics

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Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring a goal against Tottenham on March 12. Photo: Reuters

Published: 5:02am, 13 Mar 2022

Cristiano Ronaldo became the all-time leading men’s goalscorer in football history as his brilliant hat-trick inspired Manchester United’s 3-2 win against Tottenham, while Liverpool closed the gap on Premier League leaders Manchester City with a 2-0 victory at Brighton on Saturday.

Ronaldo had netted just once in his previous 10 games amid speculation that the Portugal striker was considering his future after less than a season of his second spell with United.

The 37-year-old’s commitment was questioned when he reportedly jetted to Portugal last weekend rather than watch his team after being ruled out of their 4-1 defeat at Manchester City with a hip injury.

Former American football quarterback Tom Brady, right, at a football match between Manchester United and Tottenham at Old Trafford in Manchester, UK on March 12. Photo: PA via AP

Even United interim boss Ralf Rangnick conceded he did not know if Ronaldo was happy at the club.

But Ronaldo proved his commitment to the United cause with a superb display to single-handedly dispatch Tottenham at Old Trafford.

With recently retired NFL legend Tom Brady watching from the stands, Ronaldo bagged his first United treble since 2008.

His brilliant 25-yard drive put United ahead in the 12th minute before Harry Kane equalised with a 35th minute penalty awarded for Alex Telles’ handball.