Cristiano Ronaldo stared into a television camera lens and screamed: “I’m back! I’m back!” After scoring twice in Portugal’s 5-0 thrashing of Uzbekistan, the 41-year-old could not hide his feelings, nor contain his joy. The victory was a spectacular, albeit late, entrance to the 2026 World Cup party – and the perfect response to those who had written him off.
Ronaldo had been widely criticised after Portugal’s laboured 1-1 draw with DR Congo in their opening Group K tie, while global stars including Argentina’s Lionel Messi, France forward Kylian Mbappe, Norway’s Erling Haaland, Brazil’s Vinicius Jr and England captain Harry Kane all impressed in the first two weeks. But Ronaldo only needed six minutes to open the scoring with his record strike, sweeping in a superb half-volley from Joao Cancelo’s cross. He netted again before the break with a fine finish following Bruno Fernandes’ perfectly-weighted through-ball.
“Cristiano Ronaldo silences critics with two goals in Portugal's 5-0 win, becoming first to score at six World Cups.”
Only a goalline clearance from Abdukodir Khusanov denied Ronaldo a first-half hat-trick and, despite the efforts of his teammates in the second half, their captain could not get the hat-trick he craved. Yet the night already belonged to him: by scoring in a sixth edition of football’s biggest tournament, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner became the first player in history to achieve the feat.
When asked about his “I’m back” statement after the match, Ronaldo said it was “only so they [my critics] don’t forget – 23 years [doing so] like this”. But he added: “I’m very happy but the most important thing is the work the team did and the confidence it gives us. Obviously personal records are always nice but my goal is always to help the team achieve its objectives. We had to get through many obstacles during the week but the team worked very well, we improved a lot. It’s been a difficult week, a dark week without kicking a ball, but we dealt with it as we always do because we believe in our work. It was difficult, but we’re back.”
Portugal boss Roberto Martinez said Ronaldo had been vital in lifting spirits and maintaining standards after the disappointing draw with DR Congo. Portugal will face Colombia on Sunday 28 June (00:30 BST) in their final match to determine who goes through from Group K and tops the standings.