After scoring twice in his side’s 5-0 thrashing of Uzbekistan, Cristiano Ronaldo stared into a television camera lens and screamed a defiant message for those who said he was Portugal’s problem at the 2026 World Cup.
The 41-year-old could not hide his feelings, nor contain his joy as he celebrated the historic feat of becoming the first player to find the net in six editions of football’s biggest tournament.
It was also the perfect response to the critics who had written him off.
Ronaldo had been widely criticised after Portugal’s laboured 1-1 draw with DR Congo in their opening Group K tie, while other global stars including Argentina’s Lionel Messi, France forward Kylian Mbappe, Norway talisman Erling Haaland, Brazil’s Vinicius Jr and England captain Harry Kane all impressed in the first two weeks.
But Ronaldo made a spectacular, albeit late, entrance to the party.
He only needed six minutes to open the scoring with his record strike, sweeping in a superb half-volley from Joao Cancelo’s cross, and netted again before the break with a fine finish following Bruno Fernandes’ perfectly-weighted through-ball.
Only a goalline clearance from Abdukodir Khusanov denied Ronaldo a first-half hat-trick and, despite the efforts of his team-mates in the second half, their captain could not get the hat-trick he craved.
When asked about his “I’m back” statement after the match, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner said it was “only so they (his critics) don’t forget – 23 years (doing so) like this”.
“I’m very happy but the most important thing is the work the team did and the confidence it gives us,” added Ronaldo.
“Obviously personal records are always nice but my goal is always to help the team achieve its objectives.
“We had to get through many obstacles during the week but the team worked very well, we improved a lot.
“It’s been a difficult week, a dark week without kicking a ball, but we dealt with it as we always do because we believe in our work. It was difficult, but we’re back.”
Portugal will face Colombia on Sunday 28 June (00:30 BST) in their final match to determine who goes through from Group K and tops the standings.
RESULTS
Tuesday, June 23
Norway 3-2 Senegal
Jordan 1-2 Algeria
Portugal 5-0 Uzbekistan
England 0-0 Ghana
Panama 0-1 Croatia
TODAY
Wednesday, June 24
Group K: Colombia vs. DR Congo
Group B: Switzerland vs. Canada
Group B: Bosnia & H vs. Qatar
Group C: Scotland vs. Brazil
Group C: Morocco vs. Haiti
