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Ronaldo nets 760th goal, becomes 'greatest-ever'

Last updated on: January 21, 2021 08:39 IST

760 up, Cristiano Ronaldo hailed as most prolific goalscorer

Cristiano Ronaldo

IMAGE: Juventus' Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates winning the Italian Super Cup. Photograph: Alberto Lingria/Reuters

Cristiano Ronaldo was hailed as the most prolific professional goalscorer in the history of the game on Wednesday after notching his 760th senior goal to help Juventus beat Napoli 2-0 in the Italian Supercup.

The title of greatest goalscorer is much contested, and global governing body FIFA does not keep an official record, but several media outlets reported that Ronaldo's strike had taken him past Austro-Czech Josef Bican to the top of the list.

 

Bican, as well as Brazilian strikers Pele and Romario, scored in excess of 1,000 goals during their careers but those statistics include strikes in amateur, unofficial and friendly matches.

Ronaldo's career tally includes goals for four top-flight clubs and Portugal with his closest active rival being Argentine Lionel Messi, who last month scored a single club record 644th goal for Barcelona.

The 35-year-old Ronaldo, who is the leading goalscorer for his country with 102 goals, previously played for Sporting Lisbon (five goals), Manchester United (118) and Real Madrid (450). He has scored 85 goals for Juventus.

"The incredible @Cristiano has scored his 760th career goal tonight, overtaking Josef Bican as the highest goal scorer in the history of football. What an achievement," former England striker Gary Lineker posted on Twitter.

De Bruyne, Walker injuries a concern for City boss Guardiola

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola's delight at their 2-0 win over Aston Villa, on Wednesday, was tempered by injuries to playmaker Kevin De Bruyne and defender Kyle Walker.

Belgian De Bruyne looked to have sustained a leg muscle injury and was replaced on the hour mark at the Etihad Stadium, while full back Kyle Walker went off in the first half after a collision with Villa's Jack Grealish.

"I haven't spoken to the doctor," Guardiola told a news conference. "If Kyle asks to be out, it is because something happened. Hopefully it is just a kick."

Guardiola said De Bruyne's injury could be a result of a packed schedule.

"Kevin put his hand on his leg, so I have the feeling it will be something muscular," the Spanish coach said.

"It is normal, these things happen with this amount of games."

City have won six straight league games and are two points behind leaders Manchester United, who have played a game more.

Source: REUTERS
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