Ronaldo, Ruiz top goal scorers

Known to fans as 'El Pescado', Ruiz remains a legend of World Cup qualifying

- BY SHAMSEER MOHAMMED Staff Writer

When it comes to World Cup qualifiers, a handful of players have left their mark by scoring goals season after season and carrying their nations through tough campaigns.

These five legends stand at the very top of the all-time scoring charts in Fifa World Cup qualifying history.

1. Carlos Ruiz (Guatemala)

Known to fans as “El Pescado” (“The Fish”), Carlos Ruiz remains a legend of World Cup qualifying. He struck 39 goals, a tally that makes him the joint all-time leader despite the fact that Guatemala has never reached the tournament itself. Ruiz carried his national team for over a decade, becoming both their most-capped player and all-time leading scorer. At club level, he made his mark in Major League Soccer, where his debut season with the LA Galaxy in 2002 earned him both the Golden Boot and the league MVP award.

2. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)