Cristiano Ronaldo responded to critics in emphatic fashion after Portugal’s 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan, declaring “I’m back” following a record-breaking performance that helped revive Portugal’s World Cup campaign and added several more milestones to his extraordinary career.Cristiano Ronaldo had heard the noise.Portugal’s captain entered Tuesday night’s Group K clash against Uzbekistan under pressure following a disappointing 1-1 draw with DR Congo in the tournament opener. Questions had been raised about Portugal’s attacking display, while Ronaldo himself faced renewed scrutiny over his form, advancing age and whether he could still influence matches at the highest level. At 41, the oldest outfield player at the tournament, he arrived in Houston with critics questioning whether his World Cup days were finally catching up with him.Ninety minutes later, the conversation looked very different.Ronaldo scored twice in a commanding 5-0 victory in Houston, helping Portugal take control of their qualification hopes while simultaneously rewriting another chapter of football history.After the final whistle, the 41-year-old spotted a television camera and delivered a message that quickly became one of the defining images of the night.“I’m back, I’m back” he shouted.Later, when asked about the remark, Ronaldo offered a short explanation.“Yes, so people do not forget.”
Ronaldo answers criticism on the pitch
Portugal’s response began almost immediately. Just six minutes into the match, João Cancelo burst forward down the right flank and drilled a low cross into the penalty area. Ronaldo timed his movement perfectly, drifting away from his marker before flicking the ball beyond Uzbekistan goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov.The goal gave Portugal an early lead and made Ronaldo the first player in football history to score in six different World Cup tournaments.His second arrived shortly before half-time.
Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo (7) celebrates after scoring the opening goal of his team during the World Cup Group K soccer match between Portugal and Uzbekistan in Houston, Tuesday, June 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Bruno Fernandes collected possession in midfield and threaded a precise pass through Uzbekistan’s defensive line. Ronaldo anticipated the move instantly, beat the offside trap and calmly slotted a low finish into the corner to make it 3-0.The strike moved him onto 10 World Cup goals for Portugal, allowing him to surpass Eusébio’s long-standing national record of nine goals, a mark that had stood untouched since the legendary forward’s iconic 1966 campaign in England.Nuno Mendes had earlier doubled Portugal’s advantage after Ronaldo cleverly acted as a decoy during a free-kick routine, while an own goal and a late finish from Rafael Leão completed the rout.
“They said I should retire”
Speaking after the match, Ronaldo admitted the past week had been difficult.“It was a difficult, dark week. It felt like I was already retired from football. But I held on, like I always do, because I believe in work more than anything else.”The comments reflected not only the criticism surrounding his display against DR Congo but also speculation about alleged tensions within the Portugal camp.Ronaldo dismissed any suggestion that the squad had fractured.“I knew my teammates were going to help me too. It was difficult, I have to admit, but we’re back. I’m very happy.”He also addressed the criticism directly.“They said I should retire… but I am here.”“The noise from outside is always like this, but we can’t control it. We keep going and we are united.”
More records on another historic night
Beyond Portugal’s victory, Ronaldo left the stadium with several new achievements attached to his name.His opening goal made him the first footballer ever to score in six different World Cups. At 41 years and 138 days old, he also became the second-oldest goalscorer in World Cup history behind Cameroon’s Roger Milla, while extending his career tally to an astonishing 975 goals for club and country.When asked about yet another record-breaking night, Ronaldo attempted to shift attention back towards the team.“Records are always nice to break, but my goal is to help the national team achieve its objectives. The most important thing was the team’s work and the confidence we had.”
Messi question brings different response
Ronaldo showed little interest in discussing Lionel Messi after the match.When a reporter began asking about Messi’s recent achievements, he cut the question short and pointed to another journalist instead. Later, he warned: “That depends on the question, otherwise I won’t answer you.”The only time he briefly addressed the topic was when asked about a potential meeting with Argentina.“I don’t know what to answer. It’s a question that doesn’t make much sense. But, well, it would be top.”For now, Portugal’s focus shifts towards a decisive final Group K meeting with Colombia. Victory would secure top spot in the group and complete a remarkable turnaround from the frustration that followed the opening draw against DR Congo.
