Cristiano Ronaldo Breaks Another World Cup Record During Portugal vs Croatia
· YEN.com.gh News · Join- Cristiano Ronaldo started Portugal's Round of 32 clash against Croatia despite calls for him to be left out of the starting lineup
- The Portuguese captain reached another personal milestone at the age of 41 years and 147 days during the knockout fixture
- His latest achievement came amid growing speculation that the 2026 World Cup could be CR7's final international tournament
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Cristiano Ronaldo has added yet another milestone to his extraordinary career after breaking a new record during Portugal's Round of 32 match against Croatia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Portugal captain had already etched his name into World Cup history by becoming the first player to score at six consecutive tournaments, while also appearing at six different editions.
Source: Getty Images
Now, the veteran forward has achieved another remarkable feat as he looks to end what many believe will be his final World Cup on a high.
Despite calls from some supporters for manager Roberto Martínez to leave him out of the starting lineup, Ronaldo has featured in every match for Portugal at the tournament.
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His inclusion against Croatia ensured another place in the history books.
Ronaldo makes World Cup outfield player history
By starting the Round of 32 clash, Ronaldo became the oldest outfield player ever to appear in a World Cup knockout match.
According to Yahoo Sports, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner reached the milestone at the age of 41 years and 147 days.
Although Cameroon legend Roger Milla remains the oldest player to feature at a World Cup overall, Ronaldo can celebrate becoming the oldest outfield player to play in the knockout stages.
The latest achievement adds to an already remarkable list of records the Portuguese superstar has accumulated throughout his international career.
Cristiano Ronaldo: Retirement speculation continues to grow
Ronaldo's latest milestone came just hours after his sister, Katia Aveiro, suggested that his international career could soon come to an end.
Speaking before Portugal's clash with Croatia, she urged fans to 'enjoy it while it lasts', hinting that the 2026 World Cup could be his final tournament with the national team.
Ronaldo has yet to make any public announcement regarding his future, although many believe this will be his last appearance at a World Cup.
According to Al Jazeera, the Al-Nassr forward remains under contract with the Saudi Arabian club until 2027, by which time he will be approaching his 43rd birthday.
Whether this proves to be his final World Cup or not, Ronaldo continues to rewrite football history every time he steps onto the pitch.
Source: Getty Images
Why Ronaldo should always start for Portugal
Meanwhile, Ghanaian journalist Hussein Hassan believes Cristiano Ronaldo should continue to start for Portugal whenever he is fit, arguing that his mere presence unsettles opposition defenders.
He also claimed that when Ronaldo is substituted in the second half, defenders become more comfortable, allowing Gonçalo Ramos to exploit the extra space and punish tired backlines, as he did against Croatia.
Hussein told YEN.com.gh:
"Ronaldo has to start if he's fit," the journalist said. "His presence alone keeps defenders on edge throughout the game."
"The moment he goes off, defenders relax because they no longer have to focus on him. That creates space for someone like Gonçalo Ramos, who can come on with fresh legs and take advantage. We saw exactly that against Croatia."
Ronaldo's latest goals bring his overall World Cup tally to 11, still seven behind long-standing rival Lionel Messi's record haul.
Ronaldo's record-breaking World Cup journey
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Cristiano Ronaldo has made history by scoring at six different World Cup tournaments, a feat no player has ever achieved.
The Portugal captain first scored at the World Cup in 2006 and has now found the net at every edition since.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh