Cristiano Ronaldo responded to critics emphatically after Portugal’s 5-0 win over Uzbekistan, declaring “I’m back” after a record performance that helped revive Portugal’s World Cup campaign and added several more milestones to his extraordinary career.Cristiano Ronaldo had heard the rumour.The Portugal captain went into Tuesday night’s Group K clash against Uzbekistan under pressure after a disappointing 1-1 draw with DR Congo in the tournament opener. Questions have been raised over Portugal’s attacking display, while Ronaldo himself has faced renewed scrutiny over his form, advancing age and whether he can still influence games at the highest level. At 41, the oldest player in the tournament field, he arrived in Houston with critics wondering if his World Cup days were finally with him.Ninety minutes later, the conversation looked very different.Ronaldo scored twice in a 5-0 win in Houston, helping Portugal take control of their qualification hopes while simultaneously rewriting another chapter in football history.After the final whistle, the 41-year-old saw a television camera and sent 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 brief explanation.“Yes, because people don’t forget.”
Ronaldo responds to criticism on the pitch
Portugal’s response began almost immediately. Just six minutes into the match, João Cancelo burst forward from the right flank and drilled a low cross into the penalty area. Ronaldo timed his move perfectly, getting away from his marker before slotting the ball past Uzbekistan goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov.The goal gave Portugal the lead and made Ronaldo the first player in football history to score in six World Cup tournaments.His second came just before halftime.
Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo (7) celebrates after scoring his team’s opening goal 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 made a precise pass through the Uzbekistan back 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 took him to 10 World Cup goals for Portugal, allowing him to surpass Eusébio’s long-standing national record of nine goals, a mark that had been broken by the legendary forward’s iconic 1966 campaign in England.Nuno Mendes had earlier doubled Portugal’s lead after Ronaldo cleverly acted as a stopper during a routine free-kick, while an own goal and a late finish from Rafael Leão completed the rout.
“They said I should withdraw”
Speaking after the match, Ronaldo admitted that the past week had been difficult.“It was a difficult and dark week. I felt that I was already retired from football. But I held on, as always, because I believe in work more than anything else.”The comments reflected not only the criticism surrounding his performance against DR Congo, but also speculation about alleged tensions in Portugal’s camp.Ronaldo rejected any suggestion that the team had fractured.“I knew that my teammates would also help me. It was difficult, I have to admit, but we are back. I am very happy.”He also addressed the criticism directly.“They said I should retire…but I’m here.”“The noise from the outside is always like that, but we cannot control it. We continue and we are united.”
More records on another historic night
Beyond the victory of Portugal, Ronaldo left the stadium with many new achievements attached to his name.His opening goal made him the first footballer to ever score in six different World Cups. At the age of 41 years and 138 days, he also became the second-oldest goalscorer in World Cup history behind Cameroon’s Roger Milla, as he extended his career to an astonishing 975 goals for club and country.When asked about another record-breaking night, Ronaldo tried to shift the focus to the team.“Records are always nice to beat, but my goal is to help the national team achieve its goals. The most important thing was the team work and the trust we had.”
Messi’s question brings a different answer
Ronaldo showed little interest in discussing Lionel Messi after the match.When a reporter started asking about Messi’s recent successes, he cut off the question and pointed to another reporter instead. Later, he warned, “That depends on the question, otherwise I won’t answer you.”The only time he briefly touched on 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 the top.”For now, Portugal’s focus shifts to a decisive Group K final meeting with Colombia. Victory will secure top spot in the group and complete a remarkable turnaround from the frustration that followed the opening draw against DR Congo.