Cristiano Ronaldo becomes oldest outfield player in FIFA World Cup history

Texas: Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo added another milestone to his extraordinary career on Wednesday after becoming the oldest outfield player ever to start a FIFA World Cup match.

The veteran forward was 41 years and 132 days old when he took the field against DR Congo in Portugal's opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026, setting a new tournament record.

According to football statistics platform FotMob, Ronaldo surpassed the previous record held by Canadian midfielder Atiba Hutchinson, who started a World Cup match against Croatia during the 2022 tournament at the age of 39 years and 296 days.

The latest achievement further underlines Ronaldo's remarkable longevity and ability to remain part of elite international football more than two decades after making his debut for Portugal.

Ronaldo joins exclusive six-World-Cup Club

The Portugal skipper also reached another significant landmark by appearing in his sixth FIFA World Cup.

Only one other men's player has achieved that feat, with Ronaldo joining Argentina legend Lionel Messi in the exclusive club of players to feature in six editions of the tournament.

Ronaldo's World Cup journey began at the 2006 tournament in Germany. He subsequently represented Portugal at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, the 2014 edition in Brazil, the 2018 tournament in Russia, the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and now the 2026 competition being held across North America.

His continued presence at football's biggest event highlights a career that has spanned generations and multiple eras of the game.

Despite the historic occasion, Ronaldo endured a frustrating evening as Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo.

The experienced striker struggled to influence the contest and was largely kept quiet by a disciplined Congolese defence.

Statistics shared by ESPN FC showed Ronaldo registered 25 touches during the match, attempted three shots without hitting the target and won only one duel throughout the game.

The numbers reflected one of the quietest World Cup performances of his career.

It was reportedly the second-lowest touch count Ronaldo has recorded in a World Cup match in which he started, highlighting his limited involvement in Portugal's attacking moves.

Goal drought continues

The match also extended an unwanted run for the Portuguese star.

Ronaldo has now gone 10 consecutive appearances in major international tournaments without finding the back of the net, raising further questions about his recent form on the biggest stages despite his vast experience and achievements.

While Portugal dominated possession for long periods, the captain was unable to convert the few opportunities that came his way.

Agency inputs