Ronaldo: The story is not over yet

Carlo Garganese

• Updated: 19 May 2021 15:43 BST
• 6 min read

A cryptic Cristiano Ronaldo declared that “the story is far from being over” after breaking Pele’s all-time goal record.

Ronaldo scored a sensational first-half hat-trick in Juventus’ 3-1 Serie A win at Cagliari on Sunday.

The 36-year-old hit a perfect treble, as he scored the first goal with his head, the second with his right foot and the third with his left.

How many career goals has Ronaldo scored?

This treble took Ronaldo’s career goal tally to 770, overtaking Brazil legend Pele’s total in official matches.

There is a debate over who actually holds the record for most competitive goals ever, with some crediting Czech-Austrian legend Josef Bican as having 805 goals rather than 759.

However, the most accepted record until this weekend was Pele’s 767, which Ronaldo has now surpassed.

And Cristiano posted a message on Instagram after the Juventus game where he also responded to the reports that he could leave Juventus this summer.

“The last few weeks were filled with news and stats considering me the World’s Top Scorer in football history, overcoming Pelé’s 757 official goals. Although I’m thankful for that recognition, now it’s time for me to explain why I didn’t acknowledge that record until this moment,” he wrote.

“My everlasting and unconditional admiration for mister Edson Arantes do Nascimento, such as the respect that I have for mid-20th century football, led me to take into account his 767 score, assuming his 9 goals for São Paulo State Team, as well as his single goal for the Brazilian Military Team, as official goals.

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A post shared by Cristiano Ronaldo (@cristiano)

“The World has changed since then and football as changed as well, but this doesn’t mean that we can just erase history according to our interests.

“Today, as I reach the 770th official goal in my professional career, my first words go straight to Pelé. There’s no player in the World who hasn’t been raised listening to stories about his games, his goals and his achievements, and I’m no exception.

“And for that reason, I’m filled with joy and pride as I acknowledge the goal that put’s me on top of the World’s goalscoring list, overcoming Pelé’s record, something that I could never have dreamed of while growing up as a child from Madeira.

“Thanks to all of those who took part of this amazing journey with me. To my teammates, to my opponents, to the fans of the beautiful game all over the World and, above all, to my family and close friends: trust me when I say that I couldn’t have done it without you.

“Now I can’t wait for the next games and challenges! The next records and trophies! Believe me, this story is still far from being over. The future is tomorrow and there’s still a lot to win for Juventus and Portugal!

“Join me in this journey! Let’s go!”

Pele himself also accepted that Ronaldo had broken his record by congratulating the Portuguese superstar.

“Cristiano, life is a solo flight. Each makes his own journey. And what a beautiful journey you are having!” Pele wrote.

“I admire you a lot, I love watching you play and this is no secret to anyone.

“Congratulations on breaking my record of goals in official matches. My only regret is not being able to give you a hug today.

“But I leave this photo in your honour, with great affection, as the symbol of a friendship that has existed for many years.”

Ronaldo has some way to go still to break Pele’s fabled, mythical total of 1283 goals in all official an unofficial matches, although the veracity of that record has been questioned for decades.