Khaberni - Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal became the first player in history to score in six different editions of the FIFA World Cup, following his goal against Uzbekistan on Tuesday in Houston, during the second round of the group stage in the 2026 North America World Cup.
The 41-year-old Portuguese captain, who was under pressure to end his scoring drought in major international tournaments, scored just six minutes into the game, bringing his international goal tally to 145, including nine in the finals (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026).
Ronaldo's first World Cup goal came against Iran in the 2006 edition hosted by Germany, followed by goals against North Korea (2010), Ghana (2014), a hat-trick against Spain (2018), Morocco (2018), and Ghana again (2022).
The former star of Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus faced criticism after a largely dim presence in the disappointing draw with the Democratic Republic of Congo (1-1), which marked Portugal's journey toward the title in North America.
In the ten major tournament matches prior to facing Uzbekistan, he had not scored any goals with just one assist.
His struggles in front of goal stood in stark contrast to the likes of Argentina's Lionel Messi, France's Kylian Mbappe, Norway's Erling Haaland, and England's Harry Kane.
The Portuguese star is currently playing with Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, having scored 28 goals in 30 league matches this season.
