HOUSTON (Realist English). 41‑year‑old Portugal striker Cristiano Ronaldo has written his name into football history, becoming the first player to score in six different World Cups. A brace in the group‑stage match against Uzbekistan allowed the Portuguese to break a record that had stood since 2014, while also becoming Portugal’s all‑time top scorer in World Cup history.
Record‑Breaking Match in Houston
The Group K encounter at the Houston stadium ended in a 5:0 thrashing of tournament debutants Uzbekistan. Ronaldo opened the scoring as early as the 6th minute, finishing off a cross from João Cancelo. In the 39th minute, he added a second after a pinpoint pass from Bruno Fernandes. That second goal was his 10th in World Cups, allowing him to surpass the legendary Eusébio (9 goals) and become Portugal’s all‑time top scorer in the tournament.
The Path to the Record: 20 Years and Six Tournaments
Ronaldo scored his first World Cup goal in 2006 in Germany. Since then, he has scored in every tournament: one goal in 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2022, and four in 2018. Thus, Ronaldo surpassed the achievements of Uwe Seeler, Pelé and Miroslav Klose, who had scored in four World Cups. Ronaldo now has 10 goals in 6 tournaments.
Overcoming Criticism and a ‘Dark Week’
The record match was preceded by a week of heavy criticism. In the first round, Portugal drew 1:1 with DR Congo, and Ronaldo did not register a single shot on target. The press began to suggest that the ageing forward had become a burden on the team.
After the Uzbekistan match, Ronaldo emotionally declared into the TV camera: “I’m back!” “It was a tough week. A dark week,” he admitted. “But we overcame it, as always. Because we believe in our work.” He also stressed: “God helps those who work hard. I knew my teammates would help.”
Reaction from the Football World
Portugal head coach Roberto Martínez praised Ronaldo’s leadership qualities: “He played the perfect role as captain, was extremely focused and used his experience. He has been through such situations many times.” Martínez added that Ronaldo is a “symbolic figure” and a role model for the whole team.
Former Manchester United teammate Wayne Rooney said: “To score two goals at 41 in a World Cup is truly amazing. He took the criticism – and that’s exactly how he has acted throughout his career.”
New Records and Prospects
Aside from the main achievement, Ronaldo set several other records: he became the second‑oldest goalscorer in World Cup history (41 years and 138 days), and also joined the list of players who are both the youngest and oldest goalscorers for their country at World Cups.
After the victory, Portugal have 4 points and have virtually secured a place in the knockout stage. Their final group match against Colombia will take place on June 28. For Ronaldo, who is playing in his sixth World Cup, this is likely his last chance to compete for the main trophy.