Sports

IIE DIGITAL DESK | June 24, 2026 : Cristiano Ronaldo added yet another historic milestone to his legendary career on Tuesday by becoming the first player in football history to score in six different FIFA World Cup tournaments. The Portuguese superstar achieved the remarkable feat after finding the net for Portugal in their Group ‘K’ match against Uzbekistan in Houston.

The 41-year-old forward opened the scoring in the sixth minute of the match, giving Portugal an early advantage and simultaneously writing another chapter in the history books. With the goal, Ronaldo extended an extraordinary record that began with his first FIFA World Cup goal in 2006 and now spans six separate editions of the tournament.

Ronaldo has now scored in every World Cup he has participated in since Germany 2006, demonstrating an unprecedented level of longevity, consistency, and excellence at the highest level of international football. His latest achievement further cements his status as one of the greatest players ever to play the game.

The match against Uzbekistan, Ronaldo was tied with Argentine captain Lionel Messi, who had scored in five different World Cup editions. Messi achieved the feat by finding the net in the 2006, 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026 tournaments. Ronaldo's goal against Uzbekistan allowed him to move ahead of his long-time rival and claim sole possession of the record.

The achievement is particularly remarkable given Ronaldo's age. At 41, he continues to compete and score against the world's best teams, proving that his fitness, determination, and goal-scoring instincts remain among the finest in international football.

Football historians and analysts have described the milestone as one of the most extraordinary records in World Cup history. Scoring across six separate editions requires not only world-class talent but also the ability to remain at the elite level for more than two decades, something very few players have ever accomplished.

The record also highlights Ronaldo's incredible influence on Portuguese football. Since making his World Cup debut in 2006, he has remained a central figure in Portugal's national team, leading multiple generations of players and continuing to deliver crucial performances on the biggest stage.

Most FIFA World Cup Editions with a Goal

Cristiano Ronaldo – 6 (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026)

Lionel Messi – 5 (2006, 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026)

Miroslav Klose – 4 (2002, 2006, 2010, 2014)

Pelé – 4 (1958, 1962, 1966, 1970)

Uwe Seeler – 4 (1958, 1962, 1966, 1970)

Ronaldo's latest record comes at a time when he is already rewriting several age-related milestones at the tournament. His performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup have demonstrated that he remains a decisive force for Portugal despite being in the later stages of his illustrious career.

Portugal continue their campaign, football fans around the world will be watching closely to see whether Ronaldo can add even more records to an already unmatched legacy. For now, his goal against Uzbekistan has secured him a unique place in World Cup history as the first and only player to score in six different editions of football's greatest tournament.