Cristiano Ronaldo he earned Eusébio as Portugal’s all-time leading scorer at the World Cup after scoring twice in a 5-0 win over Uzbekistan, ending a record that had remained untouched for six decades and adding another remarkable feat to his international career.Portugal entered their second Group K fixture under pressure following a frustrating 1-1 draw against DR Congo in their tournament opener. Questions were raised about Roberto Martínez’s side after a flat display, while Ronaldo was criticized after failing to convert several promising chances.Ninety minutes later, the whole team and its leader gave a clear response.
Early success and history
The breakthrough arrived after only six minutes and carried historical significance of its own. João Cancelo surged forward down the right before driving a low cross into the penalty area. Ronaldo timed it well, moving away from his marker and creating a volley that curled the ball past Uzbekistan’s Abduvohid Nematov.The finish gave Portugal an early lead, but also made Ronaldo the first player in history to score in six World Cups, extending his previous record of becoming the first player to score in five tournaments.
A record breaking moment
His big moment came shortly after. With Portugal already 2-0 up following Nuno Mendes’ brilliant strike, Bruno Fernandes picked up a midfield pass and steered a pass through the heart of the Uzbekistan defence. Ronaldo anticipated the opening instantly, timed his run to perfection and calmly slotted a low finish into the corner to make it 3-0.
Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Group K World Cup soccer match between Portugal and Uzbekistan in Houston, Tuesday, June 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
That goal took him to Portugal’s 10th World Cup goal, surpassing Eusébio’s record of nine years.
Eusébio’s legacy is 60 years
The achievement closed a remarkable chapter that began at the 1966 World Cup in England. Eusébio, one of the most iconic figures in Portuguese football history, scored all nine of his goals in just one tournament as he led Portugal to third place. Known around the world as the “Black Panther”, he made it to just six appearances, with six of those goals coming at Liverpool’s Goodison Park. Four of his nine goals came from penalties, while the remaining five came from open play.For 60 years, no Portuguese player has managed to surpass that mark. Ronaldo did it in Houston.
Long life versus wisdom
A comparison of these two things shows two very different types of greatness. Eusébio established the record through the most explosive competition ever seen. Ronaldo exuded longevity, consistency and the ability to remain strong over two decades at the highest level. His second goal against Uzbekistan came in his 24th World Cup appearance and his sixth World Cup appearance, twenty years later in Germany in 2006.The match formed part of a Portuguese performance that changed the shape of Group K. Nuno Mendes added Portugal’s second goal after Ronaldo cleverly faked a free-kick, while Abduvohid Nematov’s goal and Rafael Leão’s late strike completed the 5-0 victory.
Additional notes and highlights
Beyond Eusébio, Ronaldo left the field with several records and milestones attached to his name.His opening goal made him the first player ever to score in six World Cups. At 41 years and 138 days, he also became the second-oldest goalscorer in World Cup history, behind Cameroon’s Roger Milla, who scored at the age of 42 in the 1994 tournament.The two also pushed Ronaldo’s career to 975 goals for team and country.
What it means in Portugal
Crucially for Portugal, the win took Martínez’s side to four points from two games and put them firmly in the knockout stages ahead of the final meeting with Colombia.For Ronaldo, however, the evening will be remembered for something lasting. The record set by Portugal’s greatest hero in the World Cup in 1966 lasted for sixty years. Now it belongs to a player who has spent the last two decades rewriting football history, one piece at a time.