How Cristiano Ronaldo Won IFFHS Men’s World Best Goalscorer Despite Complicated FIFA Rule

ByKRISHNA PRASAD M, ESSENTIALLY SPORTS

In a first new year update, the International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS) announced Cristiano Ronaldo as the Men’s World Best Goalscorer for 2023. At the heart of the monumental win is Ronaldo’s 54 goals with Al Nassr and Portugal’s national team. Interestingly, the IFFHS landmark announcement comes after a FIFA ruling had recently put the 38-year-old’s scoring riot in a dubious light.

FIFA’s controversial ruling had counted out Al Nassr’s matches in the Arab Club Champions Cup. Six of Ronaldo’s 54 goals came in that tournament. Therefore, soccer circles doubted if CR7 was the top scorer. But the FIFA ruling and the doubts are a story of the past.

IFFHS honors Cristiano Ronaldo- the top scorer

Both Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane tallied 52 goals each and fell short against Ronaldo. Mbappe, who won the IFFHS top scorer award last year, has now finished in second place. Though he and Kane have tied with the same number of goals, the Frenchman has scored for the national team more than Kane. Therefore, he had the better of Kane in the IFFHS ranking. Meanwhile, Erling Haaland‘s goal riot got cut short at 50, owing to an ankle injury. As things go with Ronaldo now, the IFFHS might have to honor him for 2024 as well.

Ronaldo is hell-bent on repeating the same feat in 2024

After scoring his 54th in the Al Nassr-Al Taawoun match, Ronaldo said in an interview that he has no plans to stop in 2024. “I want to be the world’s top scorer in 2024,” the five-time Ballon d’Or winner said. Besides, he also remarked that he will continue with the same zeal for Saudi Pro League’s Al Nassr.

If things go well, CR7 has got a lot to achieve in 2024. Al Nassr is still a contender for the Saudi Pro League title. If won, Ronaldo will be upgrading his trophy cabinet. Moreover, Portugal will be playing in the UEFA Euro 2024. CR7 can further extend his goal-scoring appearances record with Portugal at the tournament. Therefore, if Ronaldo rises to the occasion this year like he always does, the IFFHS might end up honoring him, but at the age of 39!