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Ronaldo Shatters World Cup Knockout Match Age Barrier
3 Jul
Summary
- Cristiano Ronaldo is now the oldest outfield player in a World Cup knockout match.
- He surpassed Eden Dzeko, who previously held the record.
- Ronaldo could also become the oldest goal scorer in a knockout match.
Cristiano Ronaldo etched his name in football history on Friday, July 3, 2026, by becoming the oldest outfield player to participate in a FIFA World Cup knockout match. The Portuguese superstar achieved this distinction at 41 years and 149 days old when he was named in Portugal's starting lineup for their Round of 32 encounter against Croatia.
This record was previously held by Bosnia and Herzegovina's captain, Eden Dzeko. Dzeko had set the benchmark at 40 years and 106 days during his team's Round of 32 match against the United States on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.
Ronaldo has been in fine form during this year's World Cup, scoring two goals in three appearances for Portugal. Should he find the back of the net against Croatia, he would also set a new record as the oldest player to score in a FIFA World Cup knockout stage, surpassing his former teammate Pepe, who scored at 39 years and 283 days in 2022.
