FIFA World Cup 2026: FIFA President Infantino congratulates Ronaldo on becoming Portugal's all-time World Cup top scorer
Texas, June 25
FIFA President Gianni Infantino congratulated Cristiano Ronaldo on becoming Portugal's all-time top scorer in World Cup history, surpassing legendary Eusebio. Ronaldo achieved the feat when he scored his first of the brace during Portugal's 5-0 win in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K clash against Uzbekistan on Tuesday at Houston Stadium.
Infantino also congratulated Ronaldo on becoming the first player in history to score in six different FIFA World Cup tournaments.
In a video post on Instagram, the FIFA president congratulated Ronaldo, saying, "Wow, @cristiano! With his brace against Uzbekistan, the Portugal captain is now the only player to score in six different FIFA World Cup tournaments and also his country's all-time top scorer in @fifaworldcup history, moving past the legendary Eusebio. Many, many congratulations."
Ronaldo led Portugal's charge with two goals, while Nuno Mendes and Rafael Leao also found the net. An own goal involving Uzbekistan goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov further compounded the misery for Fabio Cannavaro's side as Roberto Martinez's men secured their first win of the tournament in emphatic fashion.
Ronaldo's brace saw him become Portugal's all-time leading scorer in FIFA World Cup history, taking his tally to 10 goals, surpassing Eusebio's record of nine. Eusebio, a Portugal legend and 1965 Ballon d'Or winner, famously guided the team to third place at the 1966 World Cup. Behind Ronaldo and Eusebio, Pauleta is third on Portugal's World Cup scoring list with four goals.
Ronaldo also became the first player to score in six different FIFA World Cup tournaments.
Portugal's result came as a strong response after they were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo in their opening group-stage encounter in a performance that put Ronaldo's team under scrutiny. The victory helped Portugal get their World Cup campaign back on track and significantly boosted their goal difference ahead of the final group fixture.
The win also marked an important turnaround for Ronaldo following a difficult outing against DR Congo, where the veteran forward struggled to influence proceedings.
Coming to the match, Portugal produced a dominant all-round performance to defeat Uzbekistan, taking control early with Ronaldo opening the scoring in the 6th minute before Nuno Mendes added a stunning free-kick and Ronaldo struck again to make it 3-0 before half-time.
After the break, Uzbekistan rarely threatened, with Portugal continuing to dominate possession and extending their lead in the 60th minute through an own goal following a Joao Felix flick from a Bruno Fernandes corner. Substitute Rafael Leao added a fifth goal late on to complete a comprehensive 5-0 victory.
The win earned Portugal three important points and strengthened their position in the group, while also boosting their goal difference ahead of the final group match.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Ronaldo is a legend, no doubt. But can we talk about Nuno Mendes' free-kick? That was absolute class! Also, Uzbekistan didn't stand a chance - Portugal looked like a completely different team after that DR Congo disappointment. Siuuu! 🔥
As someone who grew up watching Ronaldo and Messi, this feels surreal. Six World Cups and still going strong at 40+. But I do think the criticism after the DR Congo game was unfair - one bad game doesn't erase decades of greatness. Classic Ronaldo response though!
I just want to know where was Ronaldo's 'Siuuu' celebration? 😂 But jokes aside, surpassing Eusebio's record is massive. Eusebio was a legend from my father's generation - he still talks about the 1966 World Cup. Funny how football connects generations like this. Also, Rafael Leao scoring off the bench - what a squad depth!
I'm honestly tired of the Ronaldo-Messi comparisons. Can't we just appreciate both? This record is incredible - first player to score in six different World Cups! And that too at 40. But I do wish the media would also highlight other players' achievements. Bruno Fernandes was brilliant with that corner, and Nuno Mendes' free-kick was pure art. The whole team deserves credit.
Six World Cups, ten goals for Portugal, and still going. This is why Ronaldo is in the GOAT debate. But let's be real - Portugal's group is relatively easy. DR Congo and Uzbekistan aren't
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