Cristiano Ronaldo has set a new record in the current FIFA World Cup 2026 by scoring a brace at his age.
The 41-year-old had previously scored at the 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022 tournaments before extending the record at the 2026 competition. The goals also came in Ronaldo’s 24th World Cup appearance, moving him closer to the all-time appearance records held by Argentina captain Lionel Messi, who has 28 appearances, and Germany legend Lothar Matthäus, who played 25 World Cup matches.
Ronaldo had faced criticism following Portugal’s opening game against DR Congo, where the former Real Madrid and Manchester United star failed to score as the Europeans were held to a 1-1 draw.
Ronaldo’s latest achievement also places him alongside Lionel Messi as one of the veteran stars rewriting football history at the 2026 tournament.
