Cristiano Ronaldo made history on Tuesday by becoming the first player to score in six consecutive FIFA World Cups.
The 41-year-old forward achieved the feat by scoring a first-half brace as Portugal thrashed Uzbekistan 5-0 at the Houston Stadium in a Group K encounter. He also took his World Cup scoring tally to 10 goals, becoming Portugal’s all-time leading goal scorer in the competition.
Ronaldo has now scored in every edition of the tournament, from 2006 up to the 2026 edition.
Leading up to the match, the Al Nassr forward faced criticism for failing to guide Portugal to a winning start in the first round when they faced DR Congo.
In a post-match reaction, he admitted that the criticism had gotten to him, but he remained focused on what was ahead.
“It has been a difficult week. The criticism was intense, especially towards me,” Ronaldo admitted, “but after 23 or 24 years in football, I know how to deal with it.”
“The most important thing is the team and sticking together and with our families as well, because those are the things we can control,” he added. “What comes from outside, we can’t. We know that when we don’t play well, we’re always criticised, especially me, but as I said, I’m used to it.”
Ronaldo said scoring at the World Cup and setting records is a special feeling, but added that team achievements must always come first before personal ambitions.
“Scoring at a World Cup is always special. We wanted to respond after what happened in the last game, and we’re very happy. Personally, records are always nice, but the objective is always to help the national team achieve its goals,” Ronaldo stated.
He added, “I always arrive. Sooner or later, I’m there. I just keep doing my work. I believe deeply in what I do and that God helps those who work hard. My career has always been like that. It’s not going to change now.”
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