Cristiano Ronaldo hit another milestone in his storied career as he scored his 700th club goal in Manchester United’s victory at Everton.
The goal brought the 37-year-old Portugal forward’s total for United to 144 in his two seasons at the club.
He had 450 goals for Real Madrid, 101 for Juventus, and 5 for Sporting Lisbon.
Ronaldo’s goal at Goodison Park on Sunday was only his second of the season; his 699th came in the Europa League against FC Sheriff in September.
Ronaldo came on as a substitute for the injured Anthony Martial in the 29th minute and scored the game-winning goal 15 minutes later, putting United up 2-1.
Everton manager Frank Lampard and Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag were impressed by the forward’s achievements.
“It is outstanding, one of the greatest players that have graced the game in an era when we have had himself and Messi,” said Lampard.
“The comparison doesn’t matter, they are both incredible players in football history. The numbers they have racked up… abnormal numbers that have become normal. When he was on 699, I wanted him to score in the Europa League the other night.”
Ten Hag, who has mostly used Ronaldo from the bench this season, added: “That is really impressive, when you score 700 goals, it’s a huge performance.
“I’m really happy for him, I congratulate him on that performance, and I’m also happy it’s his first goal this season in the Premier League – he had to wait for it, and I’m sure there will be more goals.”
According to Bruno Fernandes: “It is tough still counting goals for Ronaldo because every week seems like a new record.
“I am really happy because he has been working hard to get this goal. Today he got the goal and the win and that is the most important for him, that the team won.”
Last year, Ronaldo created history by topping the men’s international football scoring rankings.
A brace for Portugal against the Republic of Ireland advanced him to 111 goals for his country, passing Ali Daei, who has 109 goals for Iran between 1993 and 2006.
At club level, he is also the all-time Champions League leading scorer with 140 goals, 13 more than long-time rival Lionel Messi.
Ronaldo’s recent goal also extends his lead over Messi in total club goals, with the Argentina striker having 691 for PSG and Barcelona.
Ronaldo’s goal against Everton was an exceptional left-foot finish.
Most of his career goals have come with his right boot, accounting for 66% of his total.
In comparison, 17% of his goals have come through headers.
Surprisingly, most of his goals have also come from inside the box, with 473 of his goals coming from inside the box.
Ronaldo’s goalscoring record for club and country is unrivaled, but there is a chance that his club tally may be challenged this season.
Messi is only nine points behind the attacker and has been significantly more productive this season. This season, the Argentina attacker has seven goals in 12 games for PSG, including four in his past four outings.
Having Messi on his tail will undoubtedly keep Ronaldo’s drive for goals alive.