Cristiano Ronaldo etched his name even deeper into football folklore on Tuesday, becoming the first male player in history to score in six different FIFA World Cup tournaments as Portugal cruised to victory over Uzbekistan.
The 41-year-old captain silenced his critics with a vintage display, ending a frustrating goal drought by scoring twice in Portugal’s group-stage encounter and setting a remarkable new World Cup record.
Ronaldo struck in the sixth minute to give Portugal an early lead before adding a second goal in the 39th minute after racing onto a perfectly weighted through ball. The brace not only put Portugal firmly in control of the match but also secured a place in football history for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
The goals mean Ronaldo has now scored in six separate World Cups — Germany 2006, South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014, Russia 2018, Qatar 2022 and the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico. No male player has ever achieved that feat.
The milestone comes just days after Ronaldo faced criticism following Portugal’s opening 1-1 draw against DR Congo, where he failed to find the net and was questioned by some observers over his continued role in the national team.
Rather than respond with words, the veteran forward delivered his answer on the pitch.
His latest goals also saw him become the second-oldest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history at 41 years and 138 days. Only Cameroon’s legendary striker Roger Milla was older when he scored against Russia at the 1994 World Cup aged 42 years and 39 days.
The record-breaking achievement further strengthens Ronaldo’s status as one of the greatest players ever to grace the game. Earlier this year, he and Argentina superstar Lionel Messi became the first male footballers to appear in six FIFA World Cup tournaments.
However, Ronaldo now stands alone in another category.
While Messi also featured at six World Cups, the Argentine failed to score during the 2010 tournament in South Africa, meaning Ronaldo is the only male player to have found the net in every World Cup edition he has played.
The Portuguese icon’s latest strikes took his overall World Cup tally to 10 goals, adding another chapter to a career already filled with extraordinary records and achievements.
For Portugal, Ronaldo’s return to scoring form could hardly have come at a better time as they pursue a deep run in the tournament. For football supporters around the world, meanwhile, it was another reminder that even at 41, one of the game’s greatest competitors remains capable of delivering on the biggest stage.
