Pauleta Scoring Record
Portugal's record scorer at retirement, never played in Primeira Liga.
Pedro Miguel Carreiro Resendes (born 28 April 1973), known as Pauleta, is a Portuguese former professional footballer who played as a striker. He scored 47 goals in 88 matches for Portugal, a national record at the time of his retirement.
- Goals
- 47
- Caps
- 88
- Position
- Striker
- Record Surpassed By
- Cristiano Ronaldo
- Key Tournament
- Euro 2004
Lore & Background
Pauleta was the first Portugal national team player to never have played in the Portuguese top level when he made his international debut against Armenia in August 1997. He became the national team's all-time goal scoring leader on 12 October 2005, surpassing Eusébio's previous record of 41. He announced his international retirement after Portugal's defeat to Germany in the third place play-off of the 2006 World Cup.
In Their Own Story
The rain slicked the pitch at a packed stadium as Pauleta tracked a cross from the wing. Time seemed to slow for the veteran striker. With a leap that defied gravity, he connected with his forehead, directing the ball past the keeper into the top corner. The roar of the crowd was deafening, celebrating not just a goal, but another step toward history.
Reader's Guide
Pauleta played for Portugal in two World Cups (2002 and 2006) and two European Championships (2000 and 2004). He was a substitute at Euro 2000, led the attack at the 2002 World Cup scoring three goals, played all but one game on the road to the final of Euro 2004 without scoring, and scored the side's first goal in the group stage match against Angola at the 2006 World Cup before failing to find the net again.
Did You Know?
- Pauleta scored four goals in an 8–0 friendly win over Kuwait on 19 November 2003.
- He was made captain after the international retirements of Fernando Couto, Luís Figo and Rui Costa following Euro 2004.
- During the 2006 World Cup qualifying campaign, Pauleta was the European zone's top scorer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who held the Portugal scoring record before Cristiano Ronaldo?
Paulino José da Silva, known as Pauleta, was the all-time leading scorer for Portugal prior to Ronaldo's rise. He accumulated 47 goals during his international career spanning 88 caps.
How many official goals did Pauleta score?
The striker netted a total of 47 goals while representing the Seleção dos Lobos. This tally stood as the benchmark for Portuguese forwards until it was eventually broken.
Who surpassed Pauleta's goal tally?
Cristiano Ronaldo overtook Pauleta's long-standing goal record through his unprecedented longevity and consistent performance in later years. The transition marked the beginning of a new era in Lusitanian football history.
Which tournament is most associated with his peak?
His contributions were particularly notable during Euro 2004, where he played a key role for the hosts. This tournament cemented his legacy as a monumental figure before the Ronaldo revolution took flight.
What was Pauleta's position on the field?
Operating primarily as a striker, he established a scoring benchmark that defined the early twenty-first century for Portugal. His physical presence and finishing ability made him essential during his tenure with the national squad.
More in Team History & Eras
Elsewhere in the Portugal National Team universe
Spotted an error? Know more?
This is a living reference — every entry is fact-audited, and reader corrections feed straight into our audit queue. Suggest an edit · See this site's audit record