Cristiano Ronaldo closes in on Messi among most decorated players in soccer history after UEFA Nations League title

Portugal edged out Spain in a dramatic UEFA Nations League Final, with high stakes, emotional moments, and standout performances. Cristiano Ronaldo played a key role in one of Portugal’s goals during the intense contest, helping his national team secure the victory in a match that ended in a thrilling penalty shootout. With this win, Ronaldo adds another international trophy to his decorated career and takes a step closer to Lionel Messi on the list of the most decorated players in soccer history.

The Nations League crown marks the 36th career title for the ever-resilient Ronaldo. It’s his first championship since August 2023, when he lifted the Arab Club Champions Cup with Al-Nassr. On the international stage, it’s his third major trophy, following Portugal’s triumphs at Euro 2016 and the inaugural Nations League in 2019. Beyond his personal accolades, the win allows Ronaldo to tighten the gap with Messi in their ongoing battle for the title of the most accomplished player the sport has ever seen.

With this victory, Ronaldo now joins Ángel Di María, Sergio Busquets, and Ryan Giggs—each with 36 major titles. He trails Messi by ten trophies, a number that may seem difficult to reach, but with Ronaldo, nothing is ever out of the question. The pursuit continues.

Lionel Messi lifts 46th trophy

Lionel Messi captured his latest piece of silverware in late 2024, guiding Inter Miami to the Supporters’ Shield title. The victory marked the 46th trophy of his illustrious career, further cementing his status as the most decorated player in soccer history. With this win, Messi widens the gap over other legendary figures such as Dani Alves and Andrés Iniesta.

Lionel Messi of Argentina lifts the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Winner’s Trophy during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar.

Most decorated players in soccer history

1. Lionel Messi (Argentina) – 46 titles
2. Dani Alves (Brazil) – 43
3. Andrés Iniesta (Spain) – 38
4. Gerard Piqué (Spain) – 38
5. Maxwell (Brazil) – 37
6. Ángel Di María (Argentina) – 36
7. Sergio Busquets (Spain) – 36
8. Ryan Giggs (Wales) – 36
9. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) – 36
10. Kenny Dalglish (Scotland) – 35

see also

Video: Cristiano Ronaldo lifts the 2025 UEFA Nations League trophy with Portugal

The rivalry continues on another front

While Messi leads in total trophies, his legendary rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo remains alive—this time in the race to 1,000 career goals. With his latest strike against Spain, Ronaldo reached 938 goals in 1,281 official matches, putting him just 62 goals away from becoming the first professional player to score 1,000 times.

Messi, meanwhile, currently stands at 865 goals. While the Argentine maestro is no longer the relentless scorer he once was, fans around the world still hope he’ll continue adding to his tally in the years ahead. Given his unmatched quality and enduring influence, the race may not be over just yet.