Portuguese megastar Cristiano Ronaldo has once again written his name in gold in his professional career at the 2026 World Cup. In the round of 32 match against Croatia in Toronto on Friday (July 3), the captain of the Portuguese national team was officially crowned the oldest player to score a goal in the knockout stage of the world's most prestigious football tournament.
According to statistical records from Misterchip, Ronaldo set this historic milestone at the age of 41 years and 147 days. This impressive achievement officially broke the previous record held by his teammate, Pepe, at 39 years old, and Cameroonian legend Roger Milla, who set his record at the age of 38.
The crucial moment arrived when Portugal was under pressure after falling behind 0-1. Ronaldo displayed a championship mentality with a penalty execution in the 68th minute that successfully outwitted Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic, equalizing the score to 1-1. This success sparked Portugal's resurgence, ultimately securing their ticket to the next round after Gonçalo Ramos scored a dramatic winning goal in stoppage time.
This record further solidifies Ronaldo's status as a global football icon capable of maintaining peak performance in the twilight of his career. Previously, he made history as the first player to score in six consecutive World Cup editions, while also holding the unique record of being both the youngest and oldest goalscorer for his country in the quadrennial tournament.
