Ronaldo's Age-Defying Goal
Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, ends 20-year World Cup knockout goal drought with historic penalty
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Key Points
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The penalty Ronaldo converted to level the game was won by Renato Veiga after VAR confirmed a foul by a Croatian defender on a corner, providing the setup for Ronaldo's 68th-minute equalizer.
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Ronaldo wore the captain's armband in a knockout match at age 41, reinforcing his leadership role for Portugal in the Round of 16 against Croatia.
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Ronaldo became the oldest player to score in a World Cup knockout stage, at 41 years and 147 days.
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He also extended the record as the oldest player to appear in a World Cup knockout match, and the article notes he was the oldest to start a knockout game as well.
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This breakthrough made Ronaldo the first player to score in six different World Cups, with prior group-stage goals including two against Uzbekistan that helped warm up his knockout form.
Cristiano Ronaldo, at 41 years old, finally scored a World Cup knockout goal — ending a 20-year wait. The Portuguese captain converted a penalty in the 68th minute against Croatia in Toronto, leveling the Round of 16 match and helping Portugal survive to fight on. Medicine Hat News reported Portugal won 2-1.
The goal made Ronaldo the oldest player ever to score in a World Cup knockout match, at 41 years and 147 days. It also made him the first player to score in six different World Cups. For years, fans and critics pointed to a so-called "curse" — Ronaldo had never scored in a knockout game across five prior tournaments. That drought is now over.
How Ronaldo Finally Broke His Knockout Curse
The decisive moment came from the penalty spot. Renato Veiga won a foul in the box after VAR confirmed a Croatian defender had fouled him on a corner kick. Ronaldo stepped up and buried the spot kick in the 68th minute to make it 1-1. Portugal went on to win 2-1, advancing to the next round, according to HNG News.
Before this match, Ronaldo had appeared in World Cup knockout games across five tournaments without a single goal. The miss record had followed him for two decades. Now, at an age when most players have long retired, he finally has his knockout goal.
Records Tumble as Ronaldo Defies His Age
Ronaldo set multiple records in one night. He became the oldest player to score in a World Cup knockout stage. He also became the oldest player to start and appear in a knockout match. Both records now belong to him alone, My Eastern Shore MD reported.
His tally of six World Cups with at least one goal is also a first in soccer history. He had already warmed up his scoring form in the group stage, netting two goals against Uzbekistan. Now, with a knockout goal added, his 2026 World Cup campaign stands as one of the most remarkable individual runs in tournament history.
Portugal Still Alive With Aging Captain Leading the Way
Ronaldo wore the captain's armband against Croatia, as he has throughout the tournament. His leadership role has never been in question. But questions about his age and fitness had followed him into this World Cup. Tuesday's performance answered many of them, according to WDRB.
This could be Ronaldo's final World Cup. At 41, he has already outlasted nearly every peer from his generation. Portugal's run continues, and so does Ronaldo's record-breaking campaign. Whether he adds more to his tally remains to be seen — but the knockout curse, at least, is gone for good.
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