LISBON: Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo added another milestone to his storied career, becoming the first player to score in six different FIFA World Cup editions.
The Portugal captain achieved the feat during his team's match against Uzbekistan, scoring in the sixth minute with a right-footed finish off a cross from Joao Cancelo.
Ronaldo, 41, had previously scored once in the 2006, 2010 and 2014 tournaments, four times in 2018 and once in the 2022 World Cup.
The goal also made Ronaldo the second-oldest player to score in World Cup history. The record for the oldest World Cup scorer is still held by Cameroon great Roger Milla.
Argentina star Lionel Messi is also competing in his sixth World Cup this year, but he has not scored in every edition of the tournament.
Ronaldo's latest achievement further cements his place among football's all-time greats as he continues to set records on the sport's biggest stage.
Earlier, Cristiano Ronaldo delivered a commanding performance with two goals as Portugal routed Uzbekistan 5-0 in a key group-stage match, responding emphatically to critics who had questioned his form.
The 41-year-old forward opened the scoring in the sixth minute before adding a second goal later in the match off a precise pass from Bruno Fernandes.
After the final whistle, an emotional Ronaldo shouted, “I’m back,” in front of television cameras, appearing to send a message to those who had doubted his abilities following Portugal’s disappointing 1-1 draw against DR Congo in its opening match.
The two-goal performance also made Ronaldo the first player to score in six different editions of the FIFA World Cup.
Speaking after the match, Ronaldo said personal milestones were gratifying but insisted that the team’s success remained his top priority.
More read, Ronaldo makes history as Portugal beat Uzbekistan 5-0 in world cup
He acknowledged that the previous week had been difficult but said Portugal had responded with hard work and confidence and was prepared to deliver even stronger performances going forward.
