Cristiano Ronaldo hat-trick makes him 'world's top goalscorer' and earns praise from Pele - in pictures

Juventus star has 770 official goals after amazing night against Cagliari

Cristiano Ronaldo heads the ball to open the scoring for Juventus during the Serie A match at Cagliari on a record-breaking night. AFP

Brazilian legend Pele applauds next to Cristiano Ronaldo, then of Real Madrid, as the Portuguese star receives the 2013 FIFA Ballon d'Or award in Zurich. Pele congratulated Cristiano Ronaldo for 'breaking his record' of goals scored in official matches. AFP

Ronaldo (C) celebrates after his first goal. AFP

Ronaldo celebrates after opening the scoring. AFP

Ronaldo falls after being fouled in the penalty area. AFP

Cristiano Ronaldo after being fouled in the penalty area and winning a penalty. AFP

Ronaldo scores Juve's second goal from the penalty spot. Reuters

Ronaldo celebrates his second goal. Getty

Ronaldo after the second. AFP

Juventus' Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring his second goal. AFP

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring Juve's third goal to complete his hat-trick. Reuters

Ronaldo celebrates his hat-trick. AP

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring Juve's third. Getty

Cristiano Ronaldo had another amazing night for Juve. Reuters

Ronaldo reacts after missing out on another goal. AFP

Cristiano Ronaldo declared himself “top of the world’s goalscoring list” after getting a hat-trick on Sunday, while Brazilian great Pele congratulated the Juventus forward for surpassing his official tally of goals.

The 36-year-old Ronaldo scored three for Juventus in a 3-1 win over Cagliari in Serie A to take his total to 770 career goals for club and country.

“There’s no player in the world who hasn’t been raised listening to stories about his (Pele’s) games, his goals and his achievements, and I’m no exception,” Ronaldo wrote in a post on Instagram.

“And for that reason, I’m filled with joy and pride as I acknowledge the goal that put’s me on top of the world’s goalscoring list, overcoming Pele’s record, something that I could never have dreamed of while growing up as a child from Madeira.”

Ronaldo has scored 668 club goals - five with Sporting Lisbon, 118 for Manchester United, 450 for Real Madrid and 95 for Juventus. He has also scored 102 goals for Portugal.

Pele, a three-time World Cup winner, officially scored 767 goals during his career although he claims to have scored more than 1,000 when including unofficial matches.

“I admire you a lot, I love watching you play and this is no secret to anyone,” Pele wrote on social media, including a photo of the pair together. "Congratulations on breaking my record of goals in official matches.

“My only regret is not being able to give you a hug today. But I leave this photo in your honour, with great affection, as the symbol of a friendship that has existed for many years.”