'I'm Back': Cristiano Ronaldo Roars After Creating World Cup History

Published 24 June 2026 · sports

'I'm Back': Cristiano Ronaldo Roars After Creating World Cup History Published By, Last Updated: June 24, 2026, 07:59 IST Cristiano Ronaldo left behind a sluggish

'I'm Back': Cristiano Ronaldo Roars After Creating World Cup History Published By, Last Updated: June 24, 2026, 07:59 IST Cristiano Ronaldo left behind a sluggish start to join the FIFA World Cup party, scoring twice against Uzbekistan on Tuesday. Rapid Read Cristiano Ronaldo scored a brace in Portugal's 5-0 win. (AP Photo) Cristiano Ronaldo has answered his critics. And in an emphatic fashion. On Tuesday, the five-time Ballon D’or winner, scored twice as Portugal brushed aside Uzbekistan 5-0 in Houston to move to the brink of the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stages. By doing so, the Portugal captain made history as he became the first player to score in six different World Cup campaigns. His early strike, just six minutes into the match, saw him surpass even Lionel Messi, extending a World Cup scoring record that began in 2006. The 41-year-old celebrated with his trademark “Siu" and a thunderous roar in front of a crowd of 68,777.

Portugal quickly tightened their grip on the contest, with Nuno Mendes doubling the lead before Ronaldo added a second goal six minutes before halftime with a composed finish. The brace took Ronaldo’s World Cup tally to 10 goals, the highest by any Portuguese player, surpassing even national great Eusebio. Following his second goal, Ronaldo was seen saying, “I’m back, I’m back". “It’s always nice to break records, but my goal is to help the national team achieve its objectives," he told the broadcasters. “It was a difficult week, a dark week. It seemed like I was already retired from football. But I held on, as always, because I believe more in hard work than in anything else. It was hard, I have to admit it, but we’re back." Ronaldo entered the Group stage clash against World Cup debutants Uzbekistan with 143 international goals, more than any other male player in football history.

Yet questions had surrounded his place in the team after a subdued performance in Portugal’s opening 1-1 draw against the Democratic Republic of Congo. Despite receiving little service in that match, Ronaldo failed to convert two opportunities that came his way, prompting calls for head coach Roberto Martinez to leave him out of the starting lineup. The scrutiny intensified as rivals including Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Harry Kane made strong starts to their World Cup campaigns. Martinez, however, remained steadfast in his support of his captain. The faith was rewarded in Houston, where Ronaldo received a rousing welcome from supporters during the pre-match warm-up and was loudly cheered each time he appeared on the stadium’s giant screens. Portugal’s dominant victory provided the perfect response to the doubts surrounding their veteran talisman and strengthened their position in the race for a place in the knockout rounds.