Cristiano Ronaldo is on the verge of creating yet another landmark in football history as Portugal prepare to face the Democratic Republic of Congo in their Group K opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Wednesday.
The 41-year-old Portuguese captain is set to add another remarkable achievement to his legendary career if he features in the fixture. At 41 years and 132 days old, Ronaldo will become the fourth-oldest player ever to appear in a FIFA World Cup match, with only Egypt’s Essam El Hadary, Colombia’s Faryd Mondragon and Cameroon’s Roger Milla having played at an older age.
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The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, however, has an even bigger record within reach. A goal against Congo would make Ronaldo the first player in football history to score in six different FIFA World Cup editions. He has already found the net in the 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022 tournaments, a feat no other player has achieved.
Long-time rival Lionel Messi has also scored in five separate World Cups, but Ronaldo now has the opportunity to become the sole holder of this unprecedented record if he scores in Portugal’s opening match.
The Portuguese icon could also become the second-oldest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history. The record is currently held by Cameroon’s Roger Milla, who scored against Russia at the 1994 World Cup at the age of 42 years and 39 days.
Ronaldo heads into the tournament with an exceptional World Cup record, having made 22 appearances and scored eight goals across five previous editions while serving as Portugal’s talisman on the biggest stage in world football.
His overall international career continues to set the benchmark for longevity and excellence. Ronaldo is the all-time leading scorer in men’s international football with 143 goals and also holds the record for the most appearances in men’s international football, having earned 228 caps for Portugal.
At club level, he remains the UEFA Champions League’s all-time leading goalscorer with 140 goals, further cementing his status as one of the greatest players in football history.
As Portugal begin their campaign for World Cup glory, the spotlight will once again fall on Ronaldo, who stands just one goal away from adding another historic milestone to his unparalleled career.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)
