Cristiano Ronaldo Joins Elite Club as Second Oldest World Cup Goalscorer

Cristiano Ronaldo has etched his name further into World Cup history, becoming the second oldest player to score in the tournament's prestigious history.

The Portuguese captain achieved this remarkable feat at the age of 41 years and 138 days during his team's dominant 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan in the 2026 World Cup group stage. This goal not only cements his place in the record books but also makes him the first player to score in six different World Cup editions.

However, the ultimate record for the oldest goalscorer remains with Cameroonian legend Roger Milla. Milla scored for Cameroon against Russia in the 1994 World Cup in the United States at the age of 42 years and 39 days. Despite his goal, Milla's team suffered a heavy 6-1 defeat, yet his achievement has endured for over three decades.

Portugal boasts another veteran on the list: Pepe. The defender scored during Portugal's commanding 6-1 win against Switzerland in the 2022 World Cup's round of 16 in Qatar, at the age of 39 years and 283 days, making him the oldest player to score in a World Cup knockout match.

Argentine superstar Lionel Messi also features on the list, having scored twice in Argentina's 2-0 win against Austria in the 2026 World Cup. One of his goals came when he was 38 years and 363 days old, further solidifying his status as a pivotal figure in the tournament's history. The list also includes Swedish legend Gunnar Gren and Mexican football icon Cuauhtemoc Blanco, who scored in the 1958 and 2010 World Cups respectively.