FIFA World Cup 2026: Cristiano Ronaldo becomes oldest player to score in WC knockout match
Toronto, July 3
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo etched his name into the history books by becoming the oldest player to score in a FIFA World Cup knockout match during Portugal's 2-1 victory over Croatia in the Round of 32 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Thursday.
The 41-year-old reached the milestone at the age of 41 years and 147 days, surpassing the previous record for the oldest goalscorer in a World Cup knockout fixture.
Interestingly, it is also the first-ever goal in Knockout matches for Al-Nassr captain Ronaldo, who is featuring in his record sixth FIFA World Cup.
Ronaldo scored from the penalty spot in the 67th minute after a VAR review awarded Portugal a spot-kick, cancelling out Ivan Perisic's opener for Croatia and bringing Roberto Martinez's side level.
The legendary footballer was also named Player of the Match for his superb performance throughout the match.
Portugal secured a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Croatia in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32, with substitute Goncalo Ramos heading home a stoppage-time winner to send Roberto Martinez's side into the Round of 16.
Croatia had taken the lead through Ivan Perisic, who became the country's all-time leading World Cup scorer, before Cristiano Ronaldo equalised from the penalty spot after a VAR review.
Croatia had two goals ruled out for offside, including a late equaliser deep into stoppage time, as Portugal held on to set up an all-Iberian Round of 16 clash against Spain. The match also marked the end of Luka Modric's potential World Cup career.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Wow, 41 years old and still scoring in World Cup knockouts. That's pure class from Ronaldo. Penalty or not, you still have to step up and convert it under pressure. Respect from Canada! 🇨🇦⚽
Never thought I'd see this! My father is a huge Ronaldo fan from his Man United days, and he was crying tears of joy 🥲. This man is an inspiration not just for footballers but for all of us. Also, what a heartbreak for Croatia. Modric deserved a better farewell.
I'm not the biggest Ronaldo fan, but you can't deny this achievement. 41 years, sixth World Cup, first knockout goal - that's genuinely historic. But let's also appreciate Perisic becoming Croatia's all-time top World Cup scorer and Ramos coming off the bench to win it. What a match!
The man is simply ageless! I remember watching Ronaldo in 2006 World Cup and now he's still going strong in 2026. His discipline is something our young cricketers and footballers should learn from. Sad day for Croatia though - two goals ruled out for offside is brutal.
Honestly, this is amazing but I feel for Modric. Two World Cup legends, one advancing and one likely ending. The VAR decisions were controversial too - that Perisic equalizer being ruled offside was so close. Great for football, but Croatia were unlucky.
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