Cristiano Ronaldo added another remarkable chapter to his glittering career by becoming the oldest goalscorer of: FIFA World Cup knockout-stage history when Portugal beat Croatia 2-1 in a dramatic Round of 32 clash on Thursday.At the age of 41 years and 147 days, the Portugal captain converted a second-half penalty to rewrite the record books, surpassing it. Lionel Messi as the oldest player to score in the World Cup knockout rounds. This too Ronaldo:The very first goal in the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup, which makes the milestone even more important.Portugal sealed progress to the Round of 16 despite a tense finish that included a disallowed Croatian goal.Ronaldo also became the second-oldest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history overall. Only Cameroon legend Roger Milla, who scored at 42 years and 39 days during the 1994 tournament, remains ahead of the Portuguese icon on the all-time list.
Ronaldo rewrote the World Cup record books
Ronaldo’s historic strike is yet another reminder of his incredible longevity at the highest level. Already the oldest player to feature for Portugal in a World Cup, he now holds the record for the oldest player to score in a men’s FIFA World Cup knockout match.The match also marked Ronaldo’s 26th World Cup appearance, passing him past many legendary names and leaving him just one behind Germany great Lothar Matthäus (27) on the all-time appearance list. Argentina captain Lionel Messi remains the record-holder of 29 World Cup appearances.The 41-year-old’s latest heroics come amid ongoing speculation that the 2026 FIFA World Cup could be the last international tournament of his illustrious career. Although retirement rumors persist, Ronaldo remains under contract with Al Nassr until the 2026-27 season.
Oldest outfield player to start a World Cup knockout match
Ronaldo’s inclusion in Portugal’s starting XI also saw him set another landmark before a ball was even kicked.At 41 years and 147 days, he became the oldest outfield player to start a men’s FIFA World Cup knockout match, surpassing the mark set a day earlier by Bosnia and Herzegovina captain Edin Dzeko, who started against the United States at 40 years and 106 days.Croatia captain: Luka Modricaged 40 years and 296 days, also appeared from the start, making it the first match in the men’s FIFA World Cup with two outfield players over the age of 40 on opposing sides.The updated list of oldest outfield players to start a men’s World Cup knockout match today reads:
- Cristiano Ronaldo (
Portugal vs. Croatia ) – 41 years, 147 days - Luka Modric (Croatia vs Portugal) – 40 years, 296 days
- Edin Dzeko (Bosnia and Herzegovina vs USA) – 40 years, 106 days