Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates his side’s opening goal during the group B match between Portugal and Spain at the 2018 World Cup in the Fisht Stadium in Sochi, Russia, on June 15, 2018
| Photo Credit: AP
Ronaldo’s World Cup career began in 2006, and as of this year, his appearances in six World Cup competitions, with at least one goal in each, are an unbeaten record. Argentina’s captain Lionel Messi also appeared in six editions, but did not score a goal in 2010.
Ronaldo’s best World Cup in terms of goals scored was 2018, and Portugal’s best finish was in 2006, when it lost in the semifinals. On a per-90-minute basis, Ronaldo’s goal-scoring rate is 0.45 goals across the six FIFA World Cup editions he has played in, according to data from Fbref.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup goals
Ronaldo has played 27 matches in World Cups, which is the second most. Above him, Messi has appeared in 31 matches. However, Ronaldo has not won a World Cup trophy. Now, with the team’s elimination, he will never win one, but the player has won his country three other titles – one European Championship and two UEFA Nations Leagues.
Ronaldo’s longevity in international matches has long been a point of remark. He is one of the oldest players to play in the World Cup at 41 years. According to Opta Analyst data, he is the fourth-oldest player after Essam El Hadary from Egypt (45 years), Faryd Mondragon from Colombia (43 years) and Roger Milla from Cameroon (42 years).
Here is a timeline of his football career and international career highlights.
Published – July 10, 2026 01:15 pm IST
