Cristiano Ronaldo dwarfs Diego Maradona’s international goal record as he achieves mind-blowing feat in win over Poland

Cristiano Ronaldo has scored more goals for Portugal after the age of 35 than Diego Maradona did throughout his entire international career with Argentina. The 39-year-old achieved the feat following a brace in the 5-1 drubbing of Poland in their penultimate UEFA Nations League group game on Friday (November 15).

Portugal blew Poland away at the Estadio do Dragao with a stunning second-half display to book their spot in the quarter-finals. After a goalless first half, Seleção das Quinas cranked up the pressure in the early stages of the second half.

Their efforts were rewarded in the 58th minute as Rafael Leao triggered a counterattack involving Nuno Mendes, whose cross found the AC Milan man, who powered a header beyond goalkeeper Marcin Bulka to open the scoring. In the 72nd minute, Ronaldo doubled Portugal’s lead from the spot.

Eight minutes later, Bruno Fernandes added a third in sumptuous fashion, firing home from range via the underside of the crossbar. Pedro Neto then got his name on the scoresheet with a clinical near-post finish. Poland’s misery was compounded three minutes from time as Ronaldo scored Portugal’s fifth with a bicycle kick.

Dominik Marczuk scored a consolation goal for Poland, but there was no stopping Roberto Martinez’s men, who celebrated their 20th victory on home soil from their last 22 matches.

Following the brace, Cristiano Ronaldo has extended his international goal tally to 135. Ronaldo, who will turn 40 in February, has now scored 35 goals for Selecao das Quinas since he turned 35. That's one more than Maradona managed in his entire career.

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What Cristiano Ronaldo said after Portugal’s 5-1 victory over Poland

Cristiano Ronaldo once again spoke on his future after he got himself on the scoresheet in Portugal’s win over Poland. The 900-goal veteran had admitted that he may not reach 1,000 goals.

After the match, Ronaldo hinted at retirement, saying he will retire the day he doesn’t feel motivated any longer (via talkSPORT);

“I just want to enjoy it. If it (retirement) has to happen, in one or two years. … I don’t know. I’m turning 40 soon…I really want to enjoy, as long as I feel motivated, I keep going. The day I don’t feel motivated, I will retire”.

He added:

"When I decide to leave the national team, I'll do it spontaneously but thoughtfully. There won't be any advance announcements. I don't see myself managing a team; that's not in my plans. My future lies in other areas outside of football, although time will tell what happens."

Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. next take on Croatia away on Monday, November 18.