‘Lest people forget’: Cristiano Ronaldo silences critics with just two words after Portugal’s historic win

Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo (7) waves to fans after the World Cup Group K soccer match between Portugal and Uzbekistan in Houston, Tuesday, June 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) Cristiano Ronaldo responded strongly to critics following Portugal’s 5-0 win over Uzbekistan, declaring “I’m back” after a record-breaking performance that helped revive Portugal’s World Cup campaign and added several more milestones to his extraordinary career.Cristiano Ronaldo heard the noise.The Portugal captain went into Tuesday night’s Group K match against Uzbekistan under pressure after a disappointing 1-1 draw with DR Congo in the tournament opener. Questions have been raised about Portugal’s attacking display, while Ronaldo himself has faced renewed scrutiny over his form, advancing age and whether he can still make an impact at the highest level. At 41, the oldest fielder in the tournament, he arrived in Houston with critics questioning whether his World Cup days had finally caught up with him.Ninety minutes later, the interview looked completely different.Ronaldo scored twice in a commanding 5-0 win in Houston to help Portugal take control of their qualification hopes while writing another chapter in football history.After the final whistle, the 41-year-old spotted a TV camera and delivered a message that quickly became one of the defining images of the night.“I’m back, I’m back” he shouted.Later, when asked about the remark, Ronaldo offered a brief explanation.“Yes, so people don’t forget.”

Ronaldo responds to criticism on the pitch

Portugal’s reaction began almost immediately. Just six minutes into the game, João Cancelo broke forward down the right wing and drilled a low cross into the penalty area. Ronaldo timed his move perfectly, swerving away from his marker before slotting the ball past Uzbekistan goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov.The goal gave Portugal an early lead and made Ronaldo the first player in football history to score in six different World Cup tournaments.His second came shortly before halftime.

Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo (7) celebrates after scoring his team’s opening goal during the World Cup Group K soccer match between Portugal and Uzbekistan in Houston, Tuesday, June 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Bruno Fernandes won the ball in midfield and slotted a precise pass through the Uzbekistan backline. Ronaldo immediately anticipated the move, beating the offside trap and calmly finishing with a low finish into the corner to make it 3-0.The strike took him to 10 World Cup goals for Portugal and allowed him to surpass Eusébio’s long-standing national record of nine goals, a mark that has remained intact since the legendary striker’s legendary 1966 campaign in England.Nuno Mendes earlier doubled Portugal’s advantage after Ronaldo cleverly acted as a decoy from a free-kick, while an own goal and Rafael Leão’s late finish completed the advance.

“They said I should leave”

Ronaldo admitted after the match that last week was tough.“It was a tough, dark week. I felt like I was already retired from football. But I stuck it out, as I always do, because I believe in work more than anything else.”The comments reflected not only criticism surrounding his performance against DR Congo, but also speculation about alleged tensions in the Portuguese camp.Ronaldo rejected any suggestion that the team would break up.“I knew that my teammates would also help me. It was difficult, I have to admit, but we are back. I am very happy.”He also addressed the criticism directly.“They said I should retire… but here I am.“The noise from outside is always like that, but we can’t control it. We go on and we are united.”

More records of another historic night

In addition to Portugal’s victory, Ronaldo left the stadium with several new achievements to his name.His opening goal made him the first ever footballer to score in six different World Cups. At 41 years and 138 days, he also became the second-oldest goalscorer in World Cup history behind Cameroon’s Roger Milla, extending his career to an astonishing 975 goals for club and country.Asked about another record-breaking night, Ronaldo tried to shift the focus back to the team.“Records are always nice to break, but my goal is to help the national team achieve their goals. The most important thing was the teamwork and the confidence we had.”

The Messi question brings a different answer

Ronaldo showed little interest in discussing Lionel Messi after the match.When a reporter started asking about Messi’s recent achievements, he cut the question short and pointed to another journalist instead. He later warned, “That depends on the question, or I won’t answer you.”The only time he briefly addressed the topic was when he asked about a potential meeting with Argentina.“I don’t know what to answer. That’s a question that doesn’t make much sense. But, well, that would be great.”Portugal’s attention is currently shifting to the crucial final Group K meeting with Colombia. Victory would secure top spot in the group and complete a remarkable turnaround from the frustration that followed an opening draw against DR Congo.