Ronaldo's mother sends pride message as son becomes first to score in six World Cups

Cristiano Ronaldo made history at the 2026 World Cup in North America, becoming the first player ever to score at six World Cup tournaments after netting twice in Portugal’s 5-0 rout of Uzbekistan. The milestone prompted a heartfelt public message from his mother, Maria Dolores, who expressed her enduring pride in her 41-year-old son.

“I’m proud that my son continues to make history,” Maria Dolores told FIFA. “I want to thank all the fans that have been by your side. You’ve given so much to the world. A kiss to you, my son. Your mother is always here for you.”

She added: “I want to thank everyone for the respect that you have shown my son. I send kisses to Portugal and all the Portuguese fans! I hope football continues to bring people together. Go, Portugal!”

The brace against Uzbekistan also lifted Ronaldo to 10 World Cup goals in total, making him Portugal’s all-time leading scorer at the tournament and surpassing the nine goals the late Eusébio scored at the 1966 edition. At 41 years and 138 days old, Ronaldo also moved into second place among the oldest scorers in World Cup history, behind only Roger Milla of Cameroon, who was 42 years and 39 days old when he last scored at the tournament.

The achievement was all the more significant given the scrutiny Ronaldo had faced earlier in the tournament. Portugal’s opener — a 1-1 draw with DR Congo — drew criticism of the Al-Nassr forward, particularly as Lionel Messi and Vinícius Jr. impressed for their respective nations. Ronaldo was characteristically direct in his response after the Uzbekistan win: “I’m back! Only so they don’t forget… 23 years like this.”

Portugal progressed from Group K in second place, having also drawn with Colombia alongside the Uzbekistan victory. They will face Croatia in the round of 32 on Friday, 3 July in Toronto — widely expected to be Ronaldo’s final World Cup match if Portugal are eliminated, given his age.