Ronaldo opens up about enduring criticism after historic World Cup brace
By Luke Oluoch, June 24, 2026Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has opened up about enduring a “difficult, dark week” before kickstarting his 2026 World Cup campaign in style.
The talisman finally got his tournament up and running, netting a clinical brace as Portugal outsmarted Uzbekistan 5-0 in Houston to record their first win of the group stage on Tuesday, June 23, 2026. The dominant performance offered a massive relief for Roberto Martínez’s side following a frustrating 1-1 draw against DR Congo in their tournament opener.
We are back!
Speaking after the match, Ronaldo admitted that the immense outside negativity following the opening fixture felt like people were actively trying to push him out of the game.
“It was a difficult, dark week; it felt like I had already retired from football,” Ronaldo said. “But I held on as I always do because I believe more in hard work than in football. It was difficult, I have to admit, but we are back.”
Answering critics
The 41-year-old icon shared how he blocked out the overwhelming criticism to maintain strict focus ahead of Portugal’s remaining Group K fixtures.
“It is fine because when you think about it, it’s already 23 years I’ve been a professional, and whenever things don’t go well, it is ‘Cristiano, he is finished, he is old. But well, it was a good response from me and my teammates, which is what we wanted.”
History-maker
The Player of the Match could finally afford a smile with a performance that saw him rewrite football history yet again.
With his opening strike in the sixth minute, the former Real Madrid and Juventus superstar became the first player in football history to score in six separate editions of the FIFA World Cup.
By taking his total World Cup tally to 10 goals, Ronaldo also officially surpassed the legendary Eusébio to become Portugal’s all-time leading goalscorer at the global finals. The historic brace pushes his astonishing, record-breaking career total to 975 goals for club and country.
With four points in the group, Portugal has put one foot firmly into the knockout rounds as they prepare to face leaders Colombia in their final, high-stakes group match, who defeated DR Congo on Wednesday, June 24, 2026.