Cristiano Ronaldo once again proved why he remains one of football’s greatest-ever players, scoring twice in Portugal’s emphatic 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
They Said He Was Finished… Ronaldo Just Made History Again!
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After facing intense criticism following Portugal’s opening match against DR Congo, where he extended his goal drought in major international tournaments to 10 games, many questioned whether the 41-year-old striker should still lead the Portuguese attack. Ronaldo, however, delivered the perfect response on the pitch.
Count Him Out at Your Own Risk: Ronaldo Makes History Again
The Portuguese captain struck twice in Houston to inspire a dominant victory and become the first player in football history to score in six different FIFA World Cups, adding yet another remarkable achievement to his legendary career.
Speaking after being named Man of the Match, Ronaldo admitted that the previous week had been difficult for both the players and head coach Roberto Martinez due to the heavy criticism surrounding the team.
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“I can tell you it was a very tough week, a difficult week, a week in which public opinion was very harsh on us, all the players, especially the coach,” Ronaldo said.
They Called Him Finished. Ronaldo Delivered a Masterclass.
The veteran forward also addressed the criticism directed at him throughout his career. “Whenever things go well, Cristiano is good; when things go badly, he’s retired, he’s old. It will always be like that. But it was a good response from me and my team-mates.”
When asked about joining Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland in the race for the Golden Boot, Ronaldo responded confidently:
“I always get there. Maybe late, but I’m there.”
The Portugal star later refused to engage in comparisons with Messi, choosing not to answer a question regarding the Argentine legend’s impressive World Cup performances.
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Ronaldo’s brace took his tally to 10 World Cup goals, moving him past Portuguese icon Eusebio to become Portugal’s all-time leading scorer in FIFA World Cup history. The goals also extended his world-record international tally to an astonishing 145 goals.
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The match marked Ronaldo’s 230th international appearance, further extending his record as the most-capped men’s international footballer of all time.
Former England defender Gary Neville believes Ronaldo’s remarkable fitness and determination could even see him feature at the 2030 World Cup.
“I would not put it past him to be there at the next World Cup,” Neville said.
Former Manchester United teammate Roy Keane was equally impressed by Ronaldo’s display.
“He was never gone, he is the man. His two goals were excellent. That sharpness, the hunger, the desire – he has joined the party.”
With Portugal back on track and Ronaldo once again making headlines, the football world has been reminded that writing off one of the sport’s greatest legends can be a costly mistake.
