Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, makes history in Portugal’s World Cup knockout clash against Croatia

CRISTIANO RONALDO’S Croatia comeback helped him break a couple more records. The veteran version of CR7 is incredibly appearing at his SIXTH World Cup and he’s the most senior to ever progress from the group stage by starting a knockout game aged 41 years and 147 days. And the second-half penalty he bagged to draw his side level meant he smashed two more milestones. The perfectionist’s first ever goal in the knockout stages also made him the oldest goal scorer in World Cup history. It wasn’t all landmarks and goals before he was hooked on 81 minutes, Ron made a nightmare start against DR Congo in his side’s opening game, where he played more like one of his famous statues. The tame opening in the shock 1-1 draw was all the more disappointing as fellow golden oldie and rival Lionel Messi had scored a hat-trick for Argentina in their 2026 bow. read more on the world cup But he bounced back against the overmatched Uzbekistan with a brace and celebrated with the line: “I’m back!”. And he has always vowed to play on until he has scored 1,000 professional goals – starting Thursday evening on 975. His new career in Saudi Arabia will easily help him reach that Pele-esque landmark But the legend’s older sister Katia Aveiro dropped bombshell news about his international future on Thursday. Most read in Sport WORLD CUP 2026 FREE BETS AND SIGN UP OFFERS World Cup 2026 - all the info IT'S A KNOCKOUT The knockout stages of the World Cup are hotting up. England believe football might finally be coming home after 60 years of hurt, with Harry Kane on fire. But the likes of France, Spain, Brazil and Argentina are all serious contenders to go all the way. Heavyweights Germany and the Netherlands have both been knocked out on penalties in the Round of 32. LATEST NEWS - All pubs that will open for England’s 1am World Cup clash - How England beat DR Congo by copying Brazil - Germany ‘tell Nagelsmann resign or be SACKED’ - BBC blasted for World Cup broadcasting decision - World Cup fan has to be rescued by CRANE KEY INFO - World Cup 2026 full match schedule including kick-off times - World Cup 2026 full squads - World Cup 2026 rule changes - World Cup 2026 prize money VIDEO - Proper Football Daily: Get all the expert analysis each morning - Team Talk – Tactics Exposed: Dive into the tactical talking points TIPS AND BETTING If you click a link in this article, we will earn affiliate revenue. Inside Cristiano Ronaldo's incredible life AS arguably the greatest player of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo lives a life befitting such a superstar. Ron loves a fast motor almost as much as scoring goals with his vast car collection including one costing £9MILLION. Upon moving to Saudi – Ronaldo moved into a luxury skyscraper hotel before swapping it for an Arabian mansion. As a globetrotter, Ronaldo likes to travel in style like onboard this luxury private jet. Behind every great man is a great woman, and Ronaldo has one in partner Georgina Rodriguez. Georgina opened up on the moment they first met when she was working as a shop girl, saying it was “love at first sight”. Before meeting Georgina, Ronaldo dated some of the world’s hottest women including Kim Kardashian and Irina Shayk. Now it’s all about the family, with Ronaldo’s offspring now capable of making up a five-a-side team. Ronaldo’s very well paid on the pitch, but he makes a ton of money off it too with endorsement deals ranging from KFC to his own range of underpants. He’s also a prolific investor and owns a string of hotels. He’s currently building a holiday resort in the Red Sea which has been dubbed “a new paradise”. Ronaldo gives back too – which is one of the reasons he doesn’t have any tattoos. He’s highly dedicated, as a look inside his health and fitness regime shows. That dedication saw him transform from a weedy teen to hulking Adonis. Head here to read more on Cristiano Ronaldo. Shortly before Portugal geared up for their last-32 clash in Toronto, she told Portuguese media outlet Sport TV: “From the information I have, from a reliable source, I believe that this is the last dance, so let’s enjoy it. “I believe it’s not today that they’ll say goodbye, but it’s coming soon. I strongly believe this is the farewell. “So enjoy it a lot because it will be difficult to find someone after 200 goals. I’m talking about the Portuguese national team.” The all-time leading Real Madrid scorer told Sun columnist Piers Morgan in November that he plans to walk away from the game “soon”. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner proposed to long-term partner Georgina Rodriguez last August, with plans for the couple to marry after the World Cup. Goncalo Ramos’ injury-time header proved the winner on the night but there was more drama in the 103rd minute as Croatia had an ‘equaliser’ ruled out by VAR – after the adidas ball ‘snicko’ technology proved there was a Croatian touch, meaning the goal was chalked off for offside. Ronaldo celebrated on the sidelines as the goal was ruled out and then the victory was confirmed.