Cristiano Ronaldo made history by becoming the first player to score in six different World Cup tournaments. On Tuesday, he achieved this milestone in Portugal’s match against Uzbekistan.
The 41-year-old scored his first goal in the sixth minute when João Cancelo crossed the ball to him. Ronaldo shot with his right foot, securing a 1-0 lead. He celebrated with teammates at the bench after the goal.
Ronaldo scored again in the 39th minute. He received a pass from Bruno Fernandes and shot precisely just inside the near post, making the score 3-0.
These goals make Ronaldo the second-oldest player to score in a World Cup match. Only Roger Milla of Cameroon, at age 42, was older when he scored in the 1994 tournament in the U.S.
Before these goals, Ronaldo faced criticism for not scoring in Portugal’s 1-1 draw with Congo in the opening match. He and Lionel Messi of Argentina became the only men to play in six World Cup tournaments this year.
Ronaldo’s scoring streak started in 2006 and continued every tournament year, including 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022. While Messi also participated in six tournaments, he did not score in 2010, setting Ronaldo apart in this regard.
With the goals scored on Tuesday, Ronaldo’s career total in World Cup matches reached 10. Messi has surpassed him with 18, becoming the tournament’s all-time leading scorer after scoring a hat trick against Algeria and two more against Austria.
Tuesday’s contest marked the 230th international game for Ronaldo, the highest number ever in history. This World Cup is likely Ronaldo’s last. He has a distinguished career with significant wins, like the European Championship in 2016 and five Champions League titles with Manchester United and Real Madrid.
For more information, visit AP World Cup.