Cristiano Ronaldo rolled back the years again

2026, June 23

United States

Cristiano Ronaldo rolled back the years again — and this time it came with history attached.

Portugal crushed Uzbekistan 5–0 in Houston, with Ronaldo scoring twice in a performance that sparked his now-famous post-match line: “I’m back.” The brace didn’t just seal the win, it also pushed him into uncharted territory as the first player ever to score in six different World Cups.

The game itself was pretty one-sided from the start. Ronaldo opened the scoring early, then doubled his tally before halftime as Portugal sliced through Uzbekistan’s defence almost at will. Nuno Mendes added a brilliant free-kick, and the rout was completed later with an own goal and a finish from Rafael Leão.

Beyond the scoreline, it felt like a statement night. After criticism following their opening draw, Portugal came out sharp, aggressive, and far more fluid. Ronaldo, at 41, looked less like a fading star and more like someone still very much shaping the tournament narrative.