Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, became the first player to score in six different World Cups with a brace as Portugal thrashed Uzbekistan 5-0 in Houston, reigniting his side’s campaign
In Houston, Texas, on Tuesday 23 June 2026, Cristiano Ronaldo, the 41-year-old captain of Portugal, became the first man to score in six different World Cup campaigns when he struck twice in his side’s emphatic 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan.
The former Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus superstar, now playing for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, pounced from close range after just six minutes to open the scoring and etch his name deeper into football folklore.
His second goal arrived before half-time, capping a dominant first period for the Europeans.
This milestone comes after Ronaldo faced scrutiny following Portugal’s disappointing 1-1 draw with the Democratic Republic of Congo in their opening Group K match.
In his previous 10 games at major tournaments, he had managed zero goals and just one assist, prompting questions about his form at this advanced stage of his remarkable career.
Ronaldo made his international debut in 2003 and scored his first World Cup goal against Iran in 2006.
The achievement underscores his extraordinary longevity, as he joins an elite group including Lionel Messi in playing across six editions of the tournament.
Portugal’s all-time leading international goalscorer now has 10 World Cup goals, surpassing Eusébio.
Coach Roberto Martínez praised his captain’s dedication. Ronaldo himself has consistently emphasised his drive to contribute at the highest level, stating after similar challenges in the past that he trains to improve every day and remains an icon for the Portuguese national team.
The result provides a timely boost for Portugal amid a competitive group, balancing Ronaldo’s enduring star power with strong collective performances from teammates such as Nuno Mendes.
It arrives against the backdrop of evolving international football, where experience and adaptability continue to prove vital even as younger talents shine.
Secondary highlights included Ronaldo’s near-miss early in the contest and the team’s fluid attacking play, which created multiple opportunities.
The victory also highlighted moments of resilience from Uzbekistan in their debut campaign.
This historic night reaffirms Ronaldo’s status as one of the game’s greatest, inspiring fans worldwide while powering Portugal forward in their quest for glory.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
