Cristiano Ronaldo's greatest World Cup moments — and why 2026 is his last shot

Cristiano Ronaldo will appear in a record-equalling 6^th World Cup finals this summer, to play what is almost certain to be his final role on the World Cup stage. The Portuguese legend will be 41 years old at this year’s tournament, meaning this year is likely to be CR7’s last chance to win football’s ultimate prize. Whilst Portugal have struggled somewhat in recent editions, Ronaldo has had more than his fair share of thrilling World Cup highlights. Let’s take a look back at one of football’s greatest players’ finest and most significant moments at the FIFA World Cup.

First World Cup goal – 17 June 2006

 Ronaldo’s first World Cup appearance came at Germany 2006. Having already burst onto the international scene at the ’04 Euros, Ronaldo’s World Cup debut left a lot to be desired, struggling to make an impact against Angola. However, he announced himself on the world stage in the second group game, scoring a penalty to secure three points against Iran. Aged just 21 years old, CR7 became the youngest ever World Cup goalscorer for Portugal, a record he still holds to this day.

Winning penalty vs England – 1 July 2006

Never one to shy away from the big moment, Ronaldo has found himself at the centre of controversy several times during his career. In the quarter-finals of the 2006 World Cup, a young CR7 was spotted winking at his bench after appearing to encourage the referee to send off his then Manchester United teammate Wayne Rooney. Rooney was sent off, and the match would go to penalties, where Ronaldo showed his mettle, converting the winning spot-kick to send Portugal through to the semi-finals.

Three consecutive man-of-the-matches – 25 June 2010

An unfortunate draw saw Portugal knocked out by eventual champions Spain as early as the round of 16 at the 2010 World Cup. However, Ronaldo still managed to show his class in his limited game time. Now captain of his country, he led Portugal through the group stage unbeaten, scoring the last goal during a 7-0 demolition of South Korea and claiming man-of-the-match in all three group games.

Hat-trick vs Spain – 15 June 2018

Perhaps Ronaldo’s best performance in an individual game at the World Cup came at the 2018 edition as he scored a hat-trick against rivals Spain. CR7 gave Portugal the lead with a penalty, before firing home from long-range just before half-time to earn a one-goal advantage at the break. However, after two quick goals from Spain, Portugal needed a moment of magic and Ronaldo duly provided. A curled free-kick from 25 yards out found the top corner to salvage a point for Portugal, in what is perhaps remembered as Ronaldo’s best World Cup goal.

Highest European Goalscorer – 20 June 2018

Just a few days later, Ronaldo would add himself once again to the history books with another World Cup goal. Playing against Morocco in the group stage, Ronaldo found the net with a diving header in the opening minutes of the game to give Portugal the lead. This goal saw Ronaldo become the highest European goalscorer of all time in international football. Almost a decade later, he is the outright top scorer of all time in international football, with 143 goals.

Breaking more records - 24 November 2022

Ronaldo broke yet another record with a goal at the 2022 World Cup. His penalty in the second half of a group game against Ghana made CR7 the first player to ever score at five different World Cup finals, a record he still holds alone today. Whilst competition for selection is sure to be hot, Ronaldo will be expected to lead the line once again in North America. Could he score in a sixth consecutive World Cup this summer?

A chance for a fairytale ending

Despite his incredible international career, and a number of special World Cup goals, Ronaldo has, for many fans, disappointed on football’s greatest stage. The Portuguese forward has yet to advance past the quarter-finals since his debut in 2006, and has still never scored in a World Cup knock-out match (penalty shoot-out goals do not count in official tallies). As he enters the twilight of his famous career, can Cristiano Ronaldo make one final tilt for football’s ultimate prize this summer?