Cristiano Ronaldo responded to critics in emphatic fashion after Portugal’s 5-0 win over Uzbekistan, declaring “I’m back” after a record-breaking performance that helped revive Portugal’s World Cup campaign and added several more milestones to his remarkable career.Cristiano Ronaldo heard the noise.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 their tournament opener. Questions have been raised about Portugal’s attacking display, while Ronaldo himself has faced scrutiny over his form, age and whether he can still make an impact at the highest level. At 41, the tournament’s oldest outfielder, he arrived in Houston with critics wondering if his World Cup days had finally caught up with him.Ninety minutes later, the conversation looked very different.Ronaldo scored twice in a convincing 5-0 win in Houston, helping Portugal take control of their qualification hopes while writing another chapter in football history.After the final whistle, the 41-year-old spotted a television camera and sent a message that quickly became one of the key images of the night.“I’m back, I’m back,” he shouted.Later, when asked about the remark, Ronaldo offered a brief explanation.– Yes, so that people don’t forget.
Ronaldo responds to criticism on the field
Portugal’s response began almost immediately. Just six minutes into the game, João Cancelo broke forward down the right flank and fired a low shot into the penalty area. Ronaldo timed his move perfectly, moving away from his keeper before slotting the ball beyond Uzbekistan goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov.The goal gave Portugal an early lead and made Ronaldo the first player in football history to score in six different World Cup tournaments.His second came shortly before halftime.
Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo (7) celebrates after scoring his team’s first 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 took possession of the ball in the middle of the field and slipped a precise pass through the Uzbek defensive line. Ronaldo immediately predicted that move, played the offside trap and calmly shot low into the corner for 3-0.That strike moved him to 10 World Cup goals for Portugal, allowing him to surpass Eusébo’s long-standing national record of nine goals, a tally that has remained untouched since the legendary striker’s iconic 1966 campaign in England.Nuno Mendes had earlier doubled Portugal’s lead after Ronaldo expertly acted as a decoy during a free-kick routine, while an own goal and a late strike from Rafael Leão completed the rout.
“They said I should retire”
Speaking after the game, Ronaldo admitted that last week was tough.“It was a tough, dark week. I felt like I had already retired from football. But I persevered, as always, because I believe in work more than anything else.”The comments reflect not only criticism surrounding his performance against DR Congo, but also speculation about alleged tensions within the Portuguese camp.Ronaldo rejected any suggestion that the team had broken up.“I knew that my teammates would also help me. It was difficult, I have to admit, but we came back. I’m very happy.”He also addressed the criticism directly.“They said I should retire… but I’m here.”“The noise outside is always like that, but we can’t control it. We continue and we are united.”
More records in another historic night
Apart from Portugal’s win, Ronaldo left the stadium with several new achievements to his name.His first goal made him the first footballer to score in six different World Cups. At 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 incredible 975 goals for club and country.When asked about another record-breaking night, Ronaldo tried to refocus the attention on the team.“Records are always nice to break, but my goal is to help the national team achieve its goals. The most important thing was teamwork and the confidence we had.”
Messi’s question brings a different answer
Ronaldo showed little interest in talking about Lionel Messi after the game.When a reporter started asking about Messi’s recent achievements, he cut the question short and pointed to another reporter instead. He later warned, “It depends on the question, or I won’t answer you.”The only time he briefly touched on that topic was a question about a potential meeting with Argentina.“I don’t know what to answer. That’s a question that doesn’t make much sense. But, well, it would be great.”For now, Portugal’s focus shifts to the decisive Group K final meeting with Colombia. A win would secure top spot in the group and complete a remarkable turnaround after the frustration that followed an opening draw against DR Congo.
