Cristiano Ronaldo has become the first player in football history to score in six different FIFA World Cups after finding the net for Portugal against Uzbekistan on Monday.

The Portugal captain struck in the sixth minute of the Group K encounter, silencing critics who questioned his performance in Portugal’s opening 1-1 draw against DR Congo. Ronaldo’s early goal added another remarkable achievement to his illustrious career, making him the first player to score in six separate editions of the World Cup.

The 41-year-old had previously scored at the 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022 tournaments before extending the record at the 2026 competition. The goal also came in Ronaldo’s 24th World Cup appearance, moving him closer to the all-time appearance records held by Argentina captain Lionel Messi, who has 28 appearances, and Germany legend Lothar Matthäus, who played 25 World Cup matches.

Ronaldo had faced criticism following Portugal’s opening game against DR Congo, where the former Real Madrid and Manchester United star failed to score as the Europeans were held to a 1-1 draw.

READ ALSO: Messi sets two World Cup records in one match

However, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner responded in typical fashion, needing only six minutes against Uzbekistan to remind fans and critics of his enduring quality on football’s biggest stage. At 41, Ronaldo continues to break new ground and extend his legacy, becoming the first footballer to score at six different men’s World Cups.

His latest achievement also places him alongside Lionel Messi as one of the veteran stars continuing to rewrite football history at the 2026 tournament.

Tunde Eludini

Tunde Eludini is a graduate of the Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Nigeria where he studied International Relations. He is a Senior Correspondent coordinating the sports section for PREMIUM TIMES. Twitter: @tundeyeludini

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