Legendary Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo on Wednesday became the oldest outfield player to start a game in FIFA World Cup history, aged 41 years and 132 days, as he started the match against DR Congo at the Houston Stadium this afternoon.
Ronaldo went past the record held by former Canada skipper Atiba Hutchinson, who had started Canada’s opening game at the 2022 FIFA World Cup against Belgium at the age of 39 years and 296 days.
Ronaldo is also the second-oldest footballer to start a game in FIFA World Cup history, behind Egyptian goalkeeper Essam El Hadary in 2018 (45 years, 161 days).
Should Ronaldo find the net, he will be the only man ever to score in six different FIFA World Cup tournaments.
Ronaldo’s focus has been on his team’s
success.
“We go match by match, but not with the expectations of winning it all. It has to be step by step. A good start is the most important thing,” Ronaldo said while speaking to the media last week.
Some Portugal supporters question whether Ronaldo will be a help or a detriment to the team.
Ronaldo endured a tough 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign in Qatar, scoring just once in the tournament. He was frustrated after being substituted against South Korea and was dropped to the bench for Portugal’s Round of 16 clash against Switzerland.
Ronaldo couldn’t score in the 2024 European Championship as well, the first time that has happened at a major international tournament.
But Ronaldo has also shown signs of his old productivity.
Ronaldo scored eight goals during Portugal’s 2024-25 UEFA Nations League win, including a crucial equaliser in the final against Spain. He played a key role in helping Al-Nassr bag their first Saudi Pro League title as well, finishing as the club’s top scorer with 28 goals.
