Cristiano Ronaldo is now the first player to ever score in five different men’s World Cup competitions.
The 37-year-old scored Portugal’s opening World Cup goal against Ghana on Thursday night from the penalty spot before Manchester United terminated his contract this week.
Along with Lionel Messi, Miroslav Klose, Uwe Seeler, and Pele, Ronaldo was one of five players who had scored in four different World Cups before the game.
However, Ronaldo’s goal against Ghana means that he is now the only player to score in five World Cups, making him a historical figure.
In 2006, Ronaldo scored his first World Cup goal when he converted a penalty against Iran.
In 2010, Ronaldo scored in a 7-0 victory over North Korea, and in 2014, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner scored a late winner against Ghana, despite Portugal’s group-stage elimination.
The 2014 World Cup was Ronaldo’s best World Cup to date. He scored a hat-trick in a thrilling 3-3 draw with Spain and the game-winning goal in a 1-0 victory over Morocco.
With 118 goals in 192 games, Ronaldo also holds the record for most goals scored at the international level.
Players Who Have Scored In Various World Cups
2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022: Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal).
4: Pele (Brazil) 1958, 1962, 1966, 1970
4 – Miroslav Klose (Germany), 2002, 2006, 2010, and 2014.
4 – Messi (Argentina), 2006, 2014, 2018, and 2022.
Portugal, meanwhile, had a tense second half against Ghana but managed to hold out for a 3-2 victory, moving them to the top of Group H. On Monday, they have a group match against Uruguay.
Cristiano Ronaldo, the captain of Portugal, sobbed during the playing of his nation’s national anthem as he began what is probably his final competition on the international stage.
Before his match against Ghana, the 37-year-old had participated in four World Cups after making his debut in the event in 2006.
After Ronaldo decided to give a contentious interview to Piers Morgan, the forward’s second stint at Manchester United came to an end earlier this week.
Therefore, when Ronaldo entered the field today for the first time since his contentious departure from Old Trafford, all eyes were on him.
