HOUSTON — Why does Cristiano Ronaldo remain a starter for Portugal? The answer was evident here in Houston.
This FIFA World Cup has been marked by star players like Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, and Erling Haaland contending for the Golden Boot. Ronaldo joined the list with a remarkable performance, scoring twice in Portugal’s 5-0 victory against Uzbekistan on Tuesday.
“I’m back! I’m back!” he exclaimed in English, addressing the camera directly at full time. The message was clear and assertive.
At 41, as his illustrious career nears its twilight, Ronaldo’s limitations occasionally stand out. However, on days like this, his remarkable abilities are equally evident.
Regardless of opinions about him—Ronaldo often elicits passionate reactions—it’s hard not to admire his unwavering commitment to his primary skill: scoring goals.
Scoring has always been Ronaldo’s defining trait. He stands alone as the only player to find the net in six World Cups, with a total of 10 goals to his name. He is also both the youngest and oldest player to score for Portugal in World Cup history.
However, prior to Tuesday’s match, even this remarkable talent seemed momentarily lost, especially on international stages where he believes he continues to belong. A staggering 3½ years had elapsed since his last goal in a major tournament, during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, comprising ten matches without netting, including a goal-less Euro 2024.
Portugal’s opening World Cup match against Congo DR had raised concerns about his relevance. In that game, Ronaldo managed just 25 touches and three shots, none of which tested the goalkeeper. His presence on the field appeared to hinder a talented squad capable of chasing World Cup glory.
“It was a very challenging week, especially with the public criticism directed towards me and the coach,” Ronaldo reflected post-match. “After 23 years as a professional, when things go well, I’m celebrated; when they go badly, I’m deemed ‘finished’ or ‘too old.’ That is the reality.”
Coach Roberto Martínez has remained steadfast in his support for Ronaldo. On Monday, he emphasized Ronaldo’s importance to the team, even when he does not find the net.
“Cristiano creates space for others with his movements,” Martínez stated. “He excels at that, and the stats back him up.”
His dedicated fanbase has always rallied behind him. In Houston, every mention of Ronaldo’s name prompted cheers from thousands. His appearances on the giant screens drew loud reactions as fans, mostly Portuguese supporters, eagerly anticipated every touch.
The crowd didn’t have to wait long for a goal. Similar to Lamine Yamal’s early goal for Spain against Saudi Arabia that alleviated pressure, it was Ronaldo—an icon approaching the end of his journey—who calmed nerves for Portugal.
His first chance arrived in the fourth minute when he narrowly missed connecting with a cross from Nuno Mendes, eliciting a collective groan from the audience.
Just two minutes later, he showcased trademark Ronaldo skill: eluding his defender with a clever near-post run, meeting a cross from João Cancelo, and finishing with precision to make it 1-0. He made it look effortless through years of experience and practice.
With just six minutes gone, it seemed the script was clear: Would Ronaldo score just once, or add to his tally?
His next chance came in the 17th minute from a free kick just outside the box, and the entire stadium anticipated Ronaldo to take it. Even the cameraman focused on the iconic No. 7. However, he surprised everyone by letting Mendes strike, who calmly curled the ball into the net.
If Ronaldo had still been chasing his first goal, he might have taken the shot himself. Nevertheless, he found his second goal at the 39-minute mark, receiving a pass from Bruno Fernandes and shooting accurately into the bottom corner.
With Portugal leading 3-0, the match was effectively won. In the second half, Ronaldo continued to hunt for his hat trick, wrapping up the game with two goals from 34 touches, seven shots—five on target—and a personal expected goals (xG) of 1.33, a significant improvement over his earlier stats against Congo DR.
Portugal’s next match against Colombia on June 27 promises to be a greater challenge, particularly in the knockout stages. But for now, Ronaldo’s performance has silenced critics questioning his role in this tournament.
Just like Messi, Ronaldo’s legacy is already cemented, built on a foundation of goals, trophies, and records. He’s still here, performing, because scoring is what he knows best.