Cristiano Ronaldo Becomes First Player to Score in 6 World Cups with Goal against Uzbekistan/ TezzBuzz/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to score in six different FIFA World Cups. The Portugal captain scored against Uzbekistan just six minutes into the match. Ronaldo also became the second-oldest player ever to score at a World Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo added yet another milestone to his legendary career Tuesday, becoming the first player in soccer history to score in six different FIFA World Cup tournaments.
The Portugal captain achieved the feat just six minutes into his team’s Group Stage match against Uzbekistan in Houston, delivering a finish that further strengthened his place among the sport’s all-time greats.
At 41 years old, Ronaldo continues to defy expectations and rewrite football record books nearly two decades after making his World Cup debut.
The record-setting goal came when Portugal defender João Cancelo delivered a precise cross into the box.
Ronaldo met the pass and fired a right-footed shot into the net to give Portugal a 1-0 lead.
After scoring, the veteran striker sprinted toward the bench to celebrate with teammates as fans inside the stadium recognized the significance of the moment.
The goal officially made Ronaldo the only player ever to score in six separate World Cup tournaments.
Ronaldo’s World Cup scoring journey began in Germany in 2006.
He later found the net in the 2010 tournament in South Africa, followed by goals in Brazil in 2014, Russia in 2018, Qatar in 2022, and now in the United States, Canada and Mexico in 2026.
Earlier this year, Ronaldo and Argentina captain Lionel Messi became the first two male players to appear in six World Cups.
However, Ronaldo now stands alone in one category.
While Messi played in six tournaments, he did not score during the 2010 World Cup. Ronaldo’s goal against Uzbekistan means he has scored in every World Cup edition in which he has participated.
That achievement further separates him in one of international football’s most prestigious competitions.
The goal also earned Ronaldo another significant distinction.
At age 41, he became the second-oldest player ever to score in a FIFA World Cup match.
Only Cameroon legend Roger Milla ranks ahead of him. Milla was 42 years old when he scored during the 1994 World Cup in the United States.
The accomplishment highlights Ronaldo’s remarkable longevity, conditioning and ability to remain effective at the highest level despite competing against players nearly half his age.
Ronaldo entered the match facing criticism after failing to score in Portugal’s opening 1-1 draw against Congo.
Questions surfaced about whether the veteran forward could still deliver on soccer’s biggest stage.
His quick strike against Uzbekistan provided an immediate response.
The goal reminded supporters and critics alike that Ronaldo remains capable of producing decisive moments even in the latter stages of his career.
The historic goal arrives during another chapter in the long-running comparison between Ronaldo and Messi.
Both superstars have dominated world football for nearly two decades and continue to add records during the 2026 World Cup.
Ronaldo’s goal against Uzbekistan lifted his World Cup total to nine goals.
While Messi currently owns the overall scoring record, Ronaldo now possesses a unique distinction as the only player to score in six different World Cup tournaments.
Together, the two icons continue to shape football history long after many expected their international careers to end.
Tuesday’s match also represented another landmark appearance for Ronaldo.
The game was his 230th international match for Portugal, extending his record as the most-capped men’s player in football history.
Throughout his remarkable career, Ronaldo has won virtually every major honor available.
His achievements include:
Now he adds another World Cup milestone to an already unmatched résumé.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is widely expected to be Ronaldo’s final appearance on football’s biggest stage.
If that proves true, he is making sure his farewell tournament includes another historic achievement.
Nearly 20 years after his first World Cup goal, Ronaldo continues to deliver memorable moments for Portugal and football fans around the world.
His goal against Uzbekistan not only helped his country in the tournament but also secured a record that may stand for many years to come.
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