Cristiano Ronaldo, at 41 years old, scored twice in Portugal's 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan in Houston to become the first player in history to score in six different World Cups. His second goal also made him the second-oldest scorer in tournament history, behind only Cameroon's Roger Milla. The feat capped a remarkable turnaround for the Portuguese captain, who had endured what he called a "dark week" after being anonymous in his opening game against DR Congo.
Ronaldo's record is built on longevity and consistency at the highest level. He made his World Cup debut in 2006, scoring in that tournament, and has now found the net in every edition since — 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026. No other player, male or female, has scored in six World Cups. The previous record of five was shared by several players, including Brazil's Pelé and Germany's Uwe Seeler.
“Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to score in six World Cups, aged 41.”
The achievement is all the more remarkable given the intense scrutiny Ronaldo has faced in recent years. After a quiet performance in Portugal's opener, critics questioned his place in the team. Ronaldo responded emphatically, shouting "I'm back, I'm back" into television cameras and later telling reporters: "It felt like I was already retired from football, but I held on as I always do because I believe more in hard work than in football." He also accused critics of writing him off prematurely.
For UK readers, Ronaldo's record is a reminder of the enduring quality of one of the game's greatest players, who spent six years at Manchester United across two spells. His achievement also highlights the increasing longevity of top footballers, with players like Ronaldo and Lionel Messi continuing to perform at elite levels well into their late 30s and early 40s.
The win moved Portugal to four points in their group, securing qualification for the knockout stage. Uzbekistan, meanwhile, are on the brink of elimination after their heavy defeat.
Q: How many World Cups has Cristiano Ronaldo scored in? Ronaldo has scored in six World Cups: 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026. He is the first player in history to achieve this.
Q: Who is the oldest goalscorer in World Cup history? The oldest goalscorer is Cameroon's Roger Milla, who scored at age 42 in 1994. Ronaldo is now the second-oldest after scoring at 41 in 2026.
Q: What did Ronaldo say after the game? Ronaldo said he had a "difficult, dark week" after being criticised for his performance in the opening match, but emphasised his belief in hard work. He also told critics: "Just so you don't forget."
Portugal's next fixture will determine their path in the knockout rounds, while Ronaldo will aim to add to his record tally. His six-World Cup scoring feat is unlikely to be matched anytime soon, cementing his legacy as one of football's most enduring icons.