Ronaldo scores at record sixth World Cup as Portugal demolish Uzbekistan 5-0

Cristiano Ronaldo etched his name further into World Cup history on Tuesday, scoring as Portugal demolished Uzbekistan 5-0 at Houston to become the first player ever to find the net at six separate World Cup tournaments.

The 40-year-old, whose place in the starting line-up had been the subject of intense debate heading into the tournament, silenced any remaining doubters with a trademark finish before wheeling away to scream “I’m back, I’m back” directly into a pitchside television camera at full time.

Portugal were dominant from the outset, the 5-0 scoreline reflecting a thoroughly one-sided contest against a Uzbekistan side making their World Cup debut. The result gives Roberto Martínez’s squad an ideal platform in the group stage, with the emphatic margin of victory also boosting their goal difference ahead of what promises to be a competitive section.

Ronaldo’s record-breaking goal adds yet another statistical landmark to a career that has already accumulated more international goals than any player in history. Having previously scored at the 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022 editions of the tournament, the Al-Nassr forward now stands alone in the record books at a sixth World Cup — an achievement that seemed improbable even twelve months ago when his club future was uncertain.

The reaction from Ronaldo after the final whistle underlined just how much the milestone meant. His four-word declaration to the camera carried the unmistakable energy of a player determined to prove that age has not diminished his relevance on the sport’s biggest stage.

Portugal will look to build on the result as the group stage continues, with Ronaldo’s form and fitness now firmly centre stage heading into the remainder of the competition.