Cristiano Ronaldo became officially recognized as the all-time top goalscorer in the history of men's professional soccer on Saturday.
Ronaldo broke the record in style by netting a hat-trick in Manchester United's 3-2 win over Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford.
It was Ronaldo's 59th career hat-trick but only his second for United.
Ronaldo had started the day second on the top scorers list, one behind Josef Bican.
Bican is best known for his time with Slavia Prague, where he scored over 400 goals between 1937 and 1948.
Some say Bican actually scored around 1,500 goals in his career, but FIFA only recognizes 805 of them.
Ronaldo drew level with Bican's official tally of 805 goals after 12 minutes on Saturday when he arrowed a brilliant long-range strike into the top corner of Hugo Lloris's net.
Spurs drew level courtesy of a Harry Kane penalty, before Ronaldo diverted a low Jadon Sancho cross past Lloris to make it 2-1 to United just before half-time.
Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates the goal which saw him become the all-time top scorer in men's professional soccer
Ronaldo had become only the third player aged 37 or over to score more than once in a Premier League game.
The other two were Graham Alexander and Teddy Sheringham.
But after a Harry Maguire own goal had drawn Spurs level again, Ronaldo went one better than Alexander and Sheringham.
He scored the winner with a header on 81 minutes as United scored from a corner-kick for just the second time this season.
After Ronaldo, the highest active player on the list 34-year-old Lionel Messi, who has scored 759 goals.
Most Official Goals In Men's Professional Soccer
(Stats correct as of March 12, 2022)
Player FIFA Recognized Goals
1. Cristiano Ronaldo
807
2. Josef Bican
805
3. Romario
772
4. Lionel Messi
759
5. Pele
757
6. Ferenc Puskas
746
7. Gerd Muller
734
8. Ferenc Deak
576
=10. Uwe Seeler
575
=10. Tulio Maravilha
575
Ronaldo's latest record strengthens his claim that he is the greatest footballer of all time.
The elated Ronaldo said Manchester United can beat any team in the world.
He wrote:
. "Tremendously happy with my first hat-trick since I came back to Old Trafford! Nothing beats the feeling of being back on the pitch and help the team with goals and effort. We’ve proven once again that we can beat any team in any given day, as long as we work hard and stand together as one. There are no limits for Man. United! No matter what! Let’s go, Devils! 🙏🏽💪🏽 #mufc".
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