Cristiano Ronaldo delivered a fierce response to his critics after scoring twice as Portugal thrashed Uzbekistan 5-0 in their Group K clash at the 2026 World Cup.
The 41-year-old Portugal captain looked straight into a television camera after his goals and shouted: “I’m back! I’m back!”
It was a defiant message from one of football’s greatest players, who had come under heavy criticism after Portugal’s disappointing 1-1 draw with DR Congo in their opening match.
Ronaldo Makes World Cup History
Ronaldo’s double made him the first player to score in six different editions of the World Cup.
He opened the scoring after just six minutes, finishing brilliantly from Joao Cancelo’s cross to give Portugal the perfect start.
Before half-time, he struck again after Bruno Fernandes released him with a fine through-ball.
Ronaldo nearly completed a first-half hat-trick, but Abdukodir Khusanov cleared his effort off the line.
Although his teammates tried to help him get a third goal after the break, the Portugal captain could not find the hat-trick he badly wanted.
Portugal Silence Doubters
Ronaldo’s goals set the tone for a dominant Portugal performance.
Nuno Mendes also scored from a free-kick, while Uzbekistan goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov conceded an own goal.
Substitute Rafael Leao completed the rout late on to give Portugal one of the biggest wins of the tournament so far.
The result was a timely response from Roberto Martinez’s side after their poor start against DR Congo.
Ronaldo: Records Are Nice, But Team Comes First
After the match, Ronaldo said his message was aimed at those who had started doubting him.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner said he was happy with the goals, but insisted Portugal’s collective response mattered more than his personal records.
He said the team had endured a difficult week after the draw with DR Congo but showed character by bouncing back strongly.
According to him, Portugal believed in their work, improved their performance and returned to their true level.
Martinez Hails Ronaldo’s Leadership
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez praised Ronaldo for his role in lifting the squad after a difficult week.
Martinez said the criticism after the DR Congo draw was unfair but admitted the team had to manage the pressure and emotions around the result.
He described Ronaldo as a perfect captain who used his experience to steady the dressing room and lead by example.
According to Martinez, Ronaldo remains a role model because of his discipline, hunger and attitude in training and matches.
Rooney Praises Old Teammate
Former England captain Wayne Rooney, who played with Ronaldo at Manchester United, said the Portuguese star’s response was exactly what many expected from him.
Rooney said scoring twice at the World Cup at 41 was an incredible achievement.
He added that Ronaldo has spent his entire career answering criticism with goals and still carries the hunger to compete with the best players in the world.
Cannavaro: Give Ronaldo Space And You Are Dead
Uzbekistan coach Fabio Cannavaro also praised Ronaldo after the match.
The former Italy captain said Ronaldo had shown that age had not taken away his hunger or quality.
Cannavaro said Ronaldo remains one of the strongest players in football history and warned that defenders cannot afford to give him any space inside the box.
Keane: Ronaldo Was Never Gone
Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane also dismissed suggestions that Ronaldo was finished.
Keane said Ronaldo had simply reminded the world of what he has always been capable of doing.
According to him, the Portugal captain’s hunger remains remarkable despite his age, wealth and all the trophies he has already won.
Ronaldo and Portugal will now face Colombia on Sunday, June 28, in their final Group K match, with qualification and top spot still at
