Cristiano Ronaldo Closes in on Messi in Titles
The Rise of Cristiano Ronaldo in the Title Race
Cristiano Ronaldo has done it. After several attempts and seasons filled with frustration, the Portuguese star finally lifted the Saudi Pro League title with Al-Nassr and added another championship to his legendary career. With this trophy, CR7 reached 36 official titles and moved a step closer to Lionel Messi in the race to become the most decorated footballer of all time.
The Argentine leads the ranking with 48 titles, firmly established as the most successful player in football history. Behind him are Dani Alves with 43 and Marquinhos with 42, while Cristiano Ronaldo continues climbing a list reserved only for the sport’s greatest legends.
Thanks to the title won with Al-Nassr, the Portuguese forward now sits 11th in the all-time ranking and is just one trophy away from Maxwell, who has 37 titles and currently holds a place in the top 10.
At 41 years old, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to expand a legacy that seems endless. The Portuguese striker not only maintains an extraordinary competitive level but also continues chasing the only major trophy missing from his career: the FIFA World Cup.
Club Legacy, International Glory, and Rivalry with Lionel Messi
CR7 has now won at least one title with every club he has played for: Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and Al-Nassr. This achievement places him in an exclusive category alongside Lionel Messi, who has also lifted trophies at every club of his career.
Both players dominated world football for over a decade and also broke long-standing barriers with their national teams. Lionel Messi won the Copa América and later the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, while Cristiano Ronaldo lifted the UEFA European Championship (Euro) and the UEFA Nations League with Portugal.
The Final Dream: The FIFA World Cup
However, the World Cup remains the Portuguese star’s ultimate obsession. The 2026 FIFA World Cup could represent the final opportunity of his career to complete a nearly perfect trophy cabinet.
In addition, Cristiano Ronaldo is also racing against time and history. Approaching 1,000 official career goals, he aims to become the oldest player ever to win a World Cup. That record currently belongs to Dino Zoff, who lifted the FIFA World Cup 1982 with Italy at the age of 40.
Far from slowing down, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to write historic chapters and prove that his ambition remains intact.
