Portugal’s ahead Cristiano Ronaldo (centre) celebrates scoring his workforce’s third objective in the course of the 2026 World Cup Group Ok soccer match between Portugal and Uzbekistan on the Houston Stadium in Houston, June 23, 2026. — AFP
Cristiano Ronaldo grew to become the primary man to attain in six totally different World Cup campaigns when he struck in opposition to Uzbekistan on Tuesday in Houston.
The 41-year-old Portugal skipper, below strain to seek out the online after a barren run at main worldwide tournaments, pounced from shut vary after simply six minutes to create a bit of World Cup historical past.
It’s testomony to Ronaldo’s longevity, the previous Manchester United, Actual Madrid and Juventus celebrity having scored his first World Cup objective in 2006, in opposition to Iran.
Ronaldo confronted flak after being largely nameless in a disappointing 1-1 draw with the Democratic Republic of Congo that began Portugal’s World Cup title bid in North America.
In his earlier 10 video games at main competitions coming into the Uzbekistan match, he had zero targets and one help.
His travails in entrance of objective had been in obtrusive distinction to the likes of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Harry Kane.
Ronaldo, extensively recognised as top-of-the-line gamers in soccer historical past, made his worldwide debut in 2003.
Now with Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, he scored 28 targets in 30 league video games this season.
Ronaldo practically struck after simply three minutes in Houston, narrowly failing to make contact on the far submit after a cross by Nuno Mendes.
Ronaldo slapped the turf, however the frustration was to be solely momentary.
