Cristiano Ronaldo Creates History: First to Score in Six World Cups
Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo has etched his name in World Cup history by becoming the first player to score in six different editions of the tournament. The milestone was achieved during Portugal's group stage match against Uzbekistan, where Ronaldo opened the scoring with a clinical finish.
Ronaldo, 41, had previously netted in five World Cups, including the 2022 Qatar tournament where he scored against Ghana. However, he entered the 2026 World Cup after a prolonged goal drought in major international competitions. In his last 10 appearances across World Cups and European Championships, Ronaldo had failed to find the net despite 33 shots and an expected goals (xG) tally of 4.5.
The goal was Ronaldo's ninth in World Cup history, equaling the record set by Portuguese legend Eusébio for the most World Cup goals by a Portugal player. Ronaldo's achievement places him in an exclusive club of footballers who have scored in multiple World Cups, with the previous record of five shared by several players including Pelé and Uwe Seeler.
Ronaldo's longevity and consistency have been hallmarks of his career, and this record underscores his enduring impact on the global stage. The goal helped Portugal secure a crucial victory in the group stage, keeping their campaign on track.