Cristiano Defies Time and Expands His World Cup Legacy
Cristiano Ronaldo once again wrote his name into football history. At 41 years and 138 days old, the Portuguese captain became the second-oldest goalscorer in World Cup history and the first player ever to score in six different editions of the tournament.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup once again featured Cristiano Ronaldo as one of its main stars. The Portuguese forward scored against Uzbekistan and reached a remarkable milestone, becoming the second-oldest goalscorer in World Cup history at 41 years and 138 days.
Only Cameroon's Roger Milla, who scored at 42 years and 39 days during the 1994 World Cup, remains ahead of Ronaldo in the all-time rankings. Cristiano surpassed fellow Portuguese defender Pepe, who entered the list during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Beyond the longevity record, Ronaldo achieved an unprecedented feat by becoming the first player to score in six different FIFA World Cups. His scoring journey spans from Germany 2006 to the 2026 tournament, covering two decades of international competition.
The goal against Uzbekistan also highlighted Ronaldo's exceptional physical condition and competitive mentality. His leadership and goals continue to play a crucial role for Portugal on the world's biggest stage.
The exclusive list of the oldest World Cup scorers includes Roger Milla, Cristiano Ronaldo, Pepe, Gunnar Gren and Cuauhtémoc Blanco, players who proved that age is not necessarily a barrier to success at the highest level.
With this latest achievement, Cristiano Ronaldo further strengthens one of the greatest careers in football history and leaves behind a record that could stand for many years to come.
