#TrumpVsMusk Cristiano Ronaldo finally beats Germany – and keeps rewriting the record books

Emlyn Begley

BBC Sport journalist

📅 Published 4 June 2025

💬 450 Comments

There aren’t many things Cristiano Ronaldo hasn’t done – but beating Germany was one of them. Until now.

In a dramatic Nations League semi-final in Munich, the 40-year-old forward stepped up once again, scoring a late winner to send Portugal to the final — and in doing so, broke yet another personal curse.

Ronaldo's strike was his 137th international goal in 220 appearances, extending his already mind-blowing men’s world record. It also brought his overall career tally to 937 goals, the most ever in men’s football.

But this goal was more than just another stat.

Before this game, Ronaldo had faced Germany five times in international play — and lost every single one. Portugal’s last victory over the Germans dated back to Euro 2000. But now, Ronaldo can say he’s finally beaten die Mannschaft.

That changes the narrative: Germany is no longer the international team Ronaldo has the worst record against.

Now, ironically, England takes that spot. He’s faced the Three Lions three times, drawing all three — although two of those “draws” were actually Portugal wins on penalties, at Euro 2004 and the 2006 World Cup.

A caveat, yes. But the stat sheet doesn’t lie.

Ronaldo is also currently the joint-second top scorer in the 2024-25 Nations League, with seven goals — once again proving that age is just a number.

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