FIFA Officially Counts Cristiano Ronaldo’s Arab Club Champions Cup Goals; Denies ‘Friendly Competition’ Rumors

It’s official with no doubt left! Cristiano Ronaldo has ended 2023 as the world’s top goalscorer of the year. The Portuguese striker scored 54 goals last year, more than anyone, but his title of the highest goalscorer still looked in danger due to six of his goals coming from an alleged friendly competition. But FIFA has stepped in and unequivocally dismissed any doubts.

Out of the 54 goals Cristiano Ronaldo scored in 2023, six were from the Arab Club Champions Cup. However, initial reports suggested that FIFA doesn’t recognize this as a major competition, casting doubt on the Al Nassr striker’s claim to the top goalscorer title. It would have brought CR7’s total to 48 goals, placing him below Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane, and Erling Haaland. Yet, there is light at the end of the tunnel!

Cristiano Ronaldo keeps smashing records at age 38!

Notably, FIFA released the record and stats list for the year 2023. And behold, fans witnessed Cristiano Ronaldo on the list of the top goal-scoring charts. FIFA has officially recognized his Arab Club Champions goals and has validated his 54 goals in 59 appearances. Even now, he continues to find his inner young self and produce stunning performances. All in all, at the expense of the 2018 World Cup winner. 

Following Ronaldo, tied for second and third place, are Kylian Mbappe with 52 goals in 53 appearances and Harry Kane with 52 goals in 57 appearances respectively. Just missing out on the podium position is Erling Haaland, with 50 goals in 60 appearances.

This news comes as a source of excitement for fans and the Portuguese icon, who has once again claimed this coveted accolade after a long wait of eight years. While things may have looked uncertain at times, in the end, it all turned out to be in Cristiano Ronaldo’s favor. Now let’s examine some other remarkable records from the unforgettable year of 2023.

A record-breaking 2023 for soccer

We begin with FC Barcelona Femeni, who achieved an astounding 62 consecutive victories in Liga F, the most by any team. Moving on to individual achievements, Erling Haaland etched his name in history by reaching 50 goals in the Premier League in just 48 appearances, making him the fastest player to achieve this feat. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane reached 15 Bundesliga goals in only ten matches, setting a new record.

Dive Deeper: Cristiano Ronaldo & Georgina Rodriguez Welcome New Year With Romantic Pictures & Emotional Lines

The younger generation also made their mark last year as Ecuador’s Kendry Paez became the youngest scorer in the FIFA U-20 World Cup history at just 16 years and 22 days of age. 

After Messi left the club, there are players from the La Masia academy who aim to step up in his role. In comes Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, and at 16 years and 87 days, he became the all-time youngest goalscorer in La Liga history. Truly, a memorable year!

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