41-year-old Ronaldo scores first World Cup tournament goal, keeping Portugal's 'last dance' alive
Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, scored his first-ever World Cup tournament goal in a match against Croatia.
- The goal helped Portugal secure a 1-1 draw, allowing them to continue in the tournament.
- This marks a significant achievement for the veteran player in his likely final World Cup appearance.
Veteran striker Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, finally broke his World Cup tournament scoring drought, netting his first goal in a match against Croatia. The milestone came during the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, where Portugal faced Croatia in a crucial tie.
The match, held at Toronto's BMO Field, saw a tense battle between the two nations. Ronaldo's long-awaited goal leveled the score at 1-1, keeping Portugal's hopes alive in the tournament. This achievement is particularly significant for the legendary player, often referred to as his 'last dance' on the world stage.
Fans and media have long anticipated Ronaldo's breakthrough in the tournament knockout stages. His persistence and dedication at his age have been a focal point, and this goal validates his continued presence at the highest level of international football. The draw ensures Portugal's journey in the World Cup continues, with Ronaldo now having etched his name in the tournament's history books with this long-awaited strike.
Originally published by Chosun Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.