Cristiano Ronaldo added another remarkable chapter to his legendary career, becoming the first footballer to score in six different FIFA World Cups as Portugal cruised to a commanding 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan.
The 41-year-old forward wasted little time making history, firing home in the sixth minute from a Joao Cancelo cross to register his name in the record books once again. The goal also made Ronaldo the second-oldest player ever to score at a World Cup, behind Cameroon’s Roger Milla, who achieved the feat at 42 in 1994.
After facing criticism following a disappointing 1-1 draw against DR Congo in their opening match, Portugal responded emphatically. Nuno Mendes doubled the lead with a well-struck free-kick before Ronaldo grabbed his second of the night after being set up by Bruno Fernandes.
Uzbekistan briefly thought they had pulled one back through Aziz G’aniev, but the effort was ruled out for a foul in the build-up. Portugal continued their dominance as goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, while substitute Rafael Leao completed the rout with a late fifth goal.
The victory lifted Portugal to the top of Group K, although Colombia could reclaim first place with a win over DR Congo.
Ronaldo’s latest achievement further strengthens his place among football’s greatest icons. While Lionel Messi recently became the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer with 18 goals, the Portuguese star has now etched his name into history as the only player to find the net in six separate World Cup tournaments, spanning from 2006 to 2026.
His record-setting performance served as another reminder that age has done little to slow one of football’s most enduring and influential figures.
