Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player in history to score in six different FIFA World Cup tournaments after netting twice in Portugal’s emphatic 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan on Tuesday.

The 41-year-old Portugal captain reached the milestone just six minutes into the Group K encounter in Houston, finishing from close range to register his first goal of the 2026 tournament and extend a World Cup scoring streak that began in 2006.

Ronaldo added a second goal before halftime, converting a precise pass from Bruno Fernandes after opening the scoring with a half-volley from João Cancelo’s cross.

The Portuguese star came close to completing a hat-trick, but a goal-line clearance denied him a third goal before the break.

The achievement further underlines Ronaldo’s remarkable longevity, having now scored at the 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026 World Cups. Earlier this year, he and Argentina captain Lionel Messi became the first men to appear in six World Cup tournaments.

Ronaldo’s historic performance came after criticism following Portugal’s opening 1-1 draw against the Democratic Republic of Congo, in which he struggled to make an impact.

While stars such as Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland and Harry Kane had already made headlines during the tournament, Ronaldo responded in emphatic fashion with a match-winning display.

The goals also made him the second-oldest player to score at a World Cup, behind Roger Milla, who scored for Cameroon at the 1994 tournament in the United States at the age of 42.

Ronaldo, who currently plays for Al Nassr, scored 28 league goals in 30 matches last season and once again demonstrated his enduring quality on football’s biggest stage.

The victory strengthened Portugal’s position in Group K and boosted their hopes of advancing to the knockout rounds as they continue their quest for a first World Cup title.