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Ronaldo becomes first player to score in six different FIFA World Cups

Ronaldo becomes

LISBON: Cristiano Ronaldo added another milestone to his storied career, becoming the first player to score in six different FIFA World Cup editions.

The Portugal captain achieved the feat during his team’s match against Uzbekistan, scoring in the sixth minute with a right-footed finish off a cross from Joao Cancelo.

Ronaldo, 41, had previously scored once in the 2006, 2010 and 2014 tournaments, four times in 2018 and once in the 2022 World Cup.

The goal also made Ronaldo the second-oldest player to score in World Cup history. The record for the oldest World Cup scorer is still held by Cameroon great Roger Milla.

Argentina star Lionel Messi is also competing in his sixth World Cup this year, but he has not scored in every edition of the tournament.

Ronaldo’s latest achievement further cements his place among football’s all-time greats as he continues to set records on the sport’s biggest stage.

Is Ronaldo one of the oldest players in World Cup history?

Is Ronaldo

Football fans across the globe have been asking whether Cristiano Ronaldo has become one of the oldest players ever to feature in a FIFA World Cup match.

In Portugal’s Group K opener at the FIFA World Cup 2026, which ended in a 1–1 draw against the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ronaldo captained his side at the age of 41 years and 132 days.

According to records, Ronaldo is now the fourth-oldest player in FIFA World Cup history.

The all-time record for the oldest World Cup player is held by Egypt’s Essam El-Hadary, who played against Saudi Arabia on June 25, 2018, at the age of 45 years and 161 days.

Second on the list is Colombia’s Faryd Mondragón, who featured against Japan on June 24, 2014, at 43 years and 3 days old.

Third is Cameroon’s Roger Milla, who played against Russia on June 28, 1994, at the age of 42 years and 39 days.

Ronaldo’s appearance at 41 places him just behind these legends, making him one of the most experienced players ever to feature in the tournament’s history.

World Cup 2026 could mark final global stage for football’s greatest stars

World Cup 2026

MIAMI: The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to showcase the world’s top football talent, but it could also serve as a farewell tournament for some of the sport’s most celebrated stars.

Football legends including Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Neymar, Luka Modric, Mohamed Salah and several other veteran players are expected to make what could be their final appearances on the sport’s biggest stage when the tournament kicks off next year in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The prospect of seeing some of football’s most iconic figures play their last World Cup has added another layer of excitement for fans around the world.

At 41, Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo is preparing for a record sixth World Cup appearance. The veteran forward scored 30 goals in 37 matches for Al Nassr this season and has netted 143 goals for Portugal. Despite his remarkable achievements, Ronaldo has yet to win a World Cup title and could become the first player to reach 150 international goals during the tournament.

Argentina’s Lionel Messi, 38, is also expected to compete in his sixth World Cup and lead the defending champions. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players in football history, Messi has faced injury concerns in recent months, but remains Argentina’s most influential player heading into the competition.

Croatia captain Luka Modric, who turns 40, is set for his fifth World Cup appearance. The midfield maestro guided Croatia to the 2018 World Cup final and helped the team secure third place in 2022. The upcoming tournament is widely expected to be his final World Cup campaign.

Brazilian star Neymar, now 34, recently returned to the national team after a lengthy absence and continues to recover from multiple injuries that have disrupted his career. While still one of Brazil’s most recognizable players, many observers believe 2026 could be his last World Cup appearance.

Germany’s Manuel Neuer is also expected to feature in what could be his final World Cup. The veteran goalkeeper, who helped Germany lift the trophy in 2014, has returned to international football and remains a key figure despite approaching his 40th birthday.

Egypt captain Mohamed Salah, one of Africa’s greatest footballers, is likely to make only his second World Cup appearance. The 33-year-old Liverpool star remains a central figure for his national team, though 2026 may represent his final opportunity to compete on football’s biggest stage.

Belgium playmaker Kevin De Bruyne, a cornerstone of the country’s “golden generation,” is expected to feature in his fourth World Cup. The midfielder, who turns 35 this year, continues to play a vital role for both club and country.

Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk could also be making his final World Cup appearance. The experienced defender, who turns 35 next month, remains one of the Dutch team’s most important players despite entering the latter stages of his career.

Senegal star Sadio Mane, who missed the 2022 World Cup because of injury, is expected to return for what could be his final tournament. The 34-year-old winger has already hinted that recent international competitions may be among the last of his career.

Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa is preparing for a record-equalling sixth World Cup appearance. The 41-year-old veteran has announced he intends to retire from international football after the tournament concludes.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, is scheduled to begin on June 11 and promises not only a battle for football’s biggest prize but also a memorable farewell for some of the game’s greatest players.

Ronaldo confirmed for record sixth FIFA World Cup with Portugal

Ronaldo confirmed

LISBON: Cristiano Ronaldo is set to make history after being named in Portugal’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he is expected to become the first player to feature in six World Cup tournaments.

The 41-year-old forward was included in the squad announced by Portugal coach Roberto Martínez, confirming his participation in the tournament to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico beginning on June 11.

Ronaldo, who plays for Al Nassr FC, already holds the world records for most international appearances (226) and most international goals (143).

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is one of six players to have appeared in five World Cups and is now poised to set a new record with a sixth appearance for Portugal national football team.

Ronaldo sets historic football record with 100 goals in three major leagues

Ronaldo sets

RIYADH: Cristiano Ronaldo has added another milestone to his legendary career by becoming the first footballer in history to score 100 or more goals in three different major national leagues.

The Portuguese superstar achieved the historic feat during Al Nassr FC’s 4-2 victory over Al Shabab FC in the Saudi Pro League.

Ronaldo reached the landmark in the 75th minute when he converted a pass from Sadio Mane to score his 100th league goal for Al Nassr in just 105 appearances.

Before this achievement, Ronaldo had already scored 103 goals in the Premier League for Manchester United F.C. and an incredible 311 goals in La Liga for Real Madrid CF.

The veteran forward has also netted 81 goals in Serie A and remains the first player to win Golden Boot awards in four different leagues.

Al Nassr FC currently lead the Saudi Pro League standings, with hopes high that Ronaldo will guide the club to both the league title and the AFC Champions League Two trophy this season.

Ronaldo hits 970 career goals as Al Nassr strengthen Saudi Pro League lead

Ronaldo hits 970

Cristiano Ronaldo has added another major milestone to his legendary career, scoring his 970th professional goal as Al Nassr secured a 2-0 victory over Al Ahli in the Saudi Pro League on Wednesday.

The match remained goalless until the second half, before Ronaldo broke the deadlock in the 76th minute with a decisive strike. Kingsley Coman later sealed the win with a late goal in the 90th minute.

The result keeps Al Nassr firmly at the top of the Saudi Pro League table with 79 points from 26 wins, one draw, and three defeats, extending their eight-point lead over Al Hilal.

Ronaldo was named Player of the Match and celebrated the victory on social media, posting: “YALLA!! WE ARE AL NASSR.”

The club’s remarkable form continues, with a 20-match winning streak across all competitions that began in January.

Al Nassr are now preparing to face Al Qadsiah on May 3 in the 31st league round, followed by a high-profile fixture against Gamba Osaka in Riyadh on May 16. With momentum on their side, the team remains strong favourites to maintain their title charge.

Ronaldo nets brace on return as Al Nassr extend winning streak

Ronaldo nets brace

Cristiano Ronaldo marked his return from a month-long injury layoff in style, scoring twice in the second half as Al Nassr secured a 5-2 victory over bottom-placed Al Najma in the Saudi Pro League on Friday.

The Portuguese forward, sidelined since February, had missed Al Nassr’s previous two league matches and was also unavailable for Portugal national team friendlies against Mexico and the United States last month.

Al Najma stunned the hosts by taking the lead just before halftime, with Rakan Al Tulayhi finding the net. However, Al Nassr responded quickly as Abdullah Al Hamdan and Sadio Mane struck in first-half stoppage time to turn the game around.

The visitors equalized shortly after the break when Felippe Cardoso scored, but Al Nassr regained control when Ronaldo converted a penalty in the 56th minute.

Ronaldo, 41, added his second goal in the 73rd minute, while Mane sealed the victory with a stoppage-time strike.

The win marked Al Nassr’s 13th consecutive league triumph, keeping them at the top of the table with 70 points, six ahead of second-placed Al Hilal, who are set to face Al Taawoun on Saturday.

Lionel Messi reaches 900 career goals in historic milestone

Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi has become only the second player in elite men’s football history to score 900 career goals, joining Cristiano Ronaldo in the exclusive club of football legends to reach the landmark.

The 38-year-old Argentine World Cup winner achieved the feat with a left-footed finish during Inter Miami’s 1-1 draw against Nashville SC in the Concacaf Champions Cup. The goal came 21 years after Messi netted his first senior goal for Barcelona as a 17-year-old in 2005.

Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano praised the achievement, calling Messi’s goal tally “insane” and highlighting the privilege of witnessing so many of his goals up close.

Messi reached the milestone in 1,142 appearances for club and country, nearly 100 fewer games than Cristiano Ronaldo, who reached 900 goals in 1,236 matches in September 2024. Ronaldo has since pushed his total to 965 goals and continues to aim for the 1,000-goal mark.

The majority of Messi’s goals came during his legendary spell at Barcelona, where he scored 672 times. He also netted 32 goals for Paris Saint-Germain and 81 for Inter Miami, along with 115 goals for Argentina, helping his country win the 2022 World Cup.

Known for delivering in big moments, 175 of Messi’s goals have come in knockout matches, including 35 in finals. In European competition, he has scored 129 UEFA Champions League goals, second only to Ronaldo’s 140.

Despite Messi’s historic achievement, it was a disappointing night for Inter Miami, who were eliminated from the competition on away goals after a 0-0 first-leg result.

Faisal Qureshi urges Pakistani cricketers to speak Urdu with pride

Faisal Qureshi

Renowned Pakistani actor Faisal Qureshi has urged national cricketers to take pride in their mother tongue and speak Urdu during public appearances and media interactions.

Qureshi, who is currently hosting a show on a private television channel where he invites guests to discuss various topics, recently highlighted the importance of promoting the national language.

A video clip from the show has gone viral on social media in which the actor stresses the value of Urdu and encourages Pakistani cricketers to confidently use it.

Addressing the players, Qureshi said he particularly wants Pakistani cricketers to speak Urdu and take pride in their language and identity.

He pointed out that internationally renowned footballers such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi usually communicate in their native languages rather than switching to English unnecessarily.

“I have never seen Ronaldo, Messi or other major players speaking English without reason. They speak their own language, and the other person can arrange a translator if needed,” he said.

The actor further emphasized that people should feel proud of Urdu as Pakistan’s national language, adding that not speaking English should not be considered a problem since English is not the country’s mother tongue.

Cristiano Ronaldo continues to shine on and off the pitch at 41

Cristiano Ronaldo

World-renowned football star Cristiano Ronaldo has celebrated his 41st birthday, yet continues to maintain an elite status in world football thanks to his exceptional fitness, consistent performances, and strong market value.

Despite his advancing age, Ronaldo remains one of the most valuable and high-profile footballers globally, defying conventional expectations about longevity in professional sports.

Currently, Ronaldo is associated with Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr, where he is playing under a lucrative contract. Reports suggest that he earns millions of pounds on a daily basis, placing him among the highest-paid athletes in the world.

Beyond football, Ronaldo’s personal life has frequently attracted media attention. He was in a high-profile relationship with Russian supermodel Irina Shayk from 2010 to 2015. The two reportedly met during a campaign for a leading fashion brand and were considered one of the most influential celebrity couples of their time before parting ways in 2015.

At present, Georgina Rodríguez is Ronaldo’s long-term partner, and the couple is known to share a stable and prosperous family life.

Even at 41, Ronaldo’s global popularity, peak physical condition, and relentless passion for football continue to serve as an inspiration for younger players around the world, reinforcing his legacy as one of the greatest athletes of all time.