2026 World Cup: CR7 Enters the Top 10 and Sets His Sights on Overtaking Pelé

Cristiano Ronaldo is certainly not the type of player who gives up easily. Even against Croatia, he was decisive. He scored the goal—on a penalty kick—that tied the game before the winning goal by the Rossoneri’s new signing, Goncalo Ramos.

With that goal against Modric and his teammates, CR7 has now scored 11 goals in World Cups, entering the Top 10 (he currently ranks ninth all-time alongside legends such as Klinsmann and Kocsis).

The former striker—who played for Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, among others—has scored 11 goals in 26 appearances. It’s not a great average, but it’s still enough to set his sights on a certain Pelé—the most beloved Brazilian star of all time.

“O Rey” has 12 goals (in 14 appearances) and ranks eighth on the all-time list. CR7 aims to catch up to and surpass him. It’s unlikely, however, that he’ll be able to challenge for the top spots, with Messi leading the way at 19 goals, closely followed by Mbappé (18). It’s worth noting that Cristiano Ronaldo has already set an incredible record: scoring in every World Cup he has played in.