Cristiano Ronaldo answered criticism with a two-goal performance as Portugal crushed Uzbekistan 5-0 at the 2026 World Cup, a sharp response after a disappointing 1-1 draw with the Democratic Republic of Congo in their opener. After the final whistle, the Portugal captain faced the cameras and said, “I’m back!”
Ronaldo expanded on that message in a postgame interview. “They said I should retire, but I am here,” he said. “The noise from outside always sounds like that, but we cannot control it. We keep moving forward and we are united.”
Portugal’s win also included goals from Nuno Mendes and Rafael Leao, plus an own goal by Khusanov. The Israeli article said the performance was built on the right approach, pressure and intensity, and that it gave “millions of Portuguese” the response they were waiting for. Portuguese outlet A Bola used that framing, while The Athletic noted Ronaldo shouted, “I’m back, I’m back!” straight into the camera after the match.
Former England striker and current pundit Chris Sutton said the debate around Ronaldo will always remain, but added that Portugal can beat any team on a given day. He also joked, “You don’t book Ronaldo, and you don’t send Messi off,” before adding that Ronaldo seemed to say, “I’m back.” The Athletic said Ronaldo may still need to prove it again against Colombia, but Wednesday was clearly his day.
