Cristiano Ronaldo he added another remarkable chapter to his glittering career by becoming the oldest goalscorer in the FIFA World Cup The history of the knockout stage in which Portugal beat Croatia 2-1 on Thursday in a dramatic clash of the round of 16.Aged 41 years and 147 days, the Portugal captain converted a second-half penalty to set the record again, surpassing Lionel Messi as the oldest player to score in the knockout rounds of the World Cup. It was like that Ronaldothe first goal ever in the knockout stages of a FIFA World Cup, making the milestone even more significant.Portugal sealed their passage to the round of 16 despite a tense finish that included a disallowed Croatian goal.Ronaldo also became the second-oldest goalscorer in the history of the FIFA World Cup. Only Cameroon legend Roger Milla, who scored at 42 years and 39 days during the 1994 tournament, remains ahead of the Portuguese icon on the all-time list.
Ronaldo is writing the World Cup record books again
Ronaldo’s historic goal was another reminder of his exceptional longevity at the highest level. Already the oldest player to play for Portugal at the World Cup, he now holds the record for the oldest player ever to score in a FIFA Men’s World Cup knockout match.The game also marked Ronaldo’s 26th appearance at the World Cup, overtaking him by a number of legendary names and leaving him just one behind German great Lothar Matthäus (27) on the all-time appearances list. Argentina captain Lionel Messi remains the record holder with 29 World Cup appearances.The 41-year-old’s latest heroics come amid ongoing speculation that the 2026 FIFA World Cup could be the last international tournament of his storied career. Although retirement rumors continue to swirl, Ronaldo remains under contract with Al Nassr until the 2026-27 season.
Oldest outfielder to start a World Cup knockout match
Ronaldo’s inclusion in Portugal’s starting 11 also saw him set another milestone before a ball was even kicked.At 41 years and 147 days, he became the oldest outfield player ever to start a FIFA Men’s World Cup knockout match, surpassing the mark set just one day earlier by Bosnia and Herzegovina captain Edin Dzeko, who started against the United States at 40 years and 106 days.Captain of Croatia Luka Modricaged 40 years and 296 days, also featured from the start, making it the first men’s FIFA World Cup match to feature two outfield players over the age of 40 in opposing sides.The updated list of oldest outfield players to start a Men’s World Cup knockout match now reads:
- Cristiano Ronaldo (
Portugal against Croatia ) – 41 years, 147 days - Luka Modrić (Croatia vs. Portugal) – 40 years, 296 days
- Edin Džeko (Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. USA) – 40 years, 106 days
