Ferdinand posted positive messages on social media after each of Ronaldo's goals. The former Manchester United center-back praised Ronaldo's movement and clinical finishing, comparing him to 15-year-younger striker Erling Haaland.

"To all the critics out there: Shut your mouths!", Ferdinand declared in a video posted on X. He questioned why critics would doubt a player on the verge of reaching 1,000 career goals, who also broke Portugal's World Cup scoring record and set a new record for scoring in six different tournaments.

Ferdinand (left) during an interview with Ronaldo in 2024. Photo: CR7

Ronaldo faced significant criticism after Portugal's opening 1-1 draw against DR Congo. Many suggested the 41-year-old striker was too old, advocating for him to start from the bench and yield his spot to younger players.

However, in the second match on 23/6, Ronaldo scored two goals, leading Portugal to a decisive victory over Uzbekistan. This performance also made him Portugal's highest scorer in World Cup history with 10 goals, surpassing legend Eusebio's previous record of 9 goals.

Major newspapers widely praised Ronaldo's display. "Ronaldo joins the record race with Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Haaland", wrote Spanish news agency EFE. The day before Ronaldo's stellar performance, Messi set a new record by scoring 18 goals across World Cups, while Mbappe became France's all-time leading scorer, mirroring Haaland's achievement for Norway.

The British newspaper Guardian highlighted Ronaldo's end to a 10-match goal drought in major tournaments (Euro, World Cup, and Nations League). The publication also pondered whether, with Messi scoring five goals at 39 years old, this year's tournament is becoming a contest among football's seasoned veterans.

Another British newspaper, Independent, suggested that Ronaldo had silenced his critics following Portugal's draw with DR Congo.

Cristiano Ronaldo (number 7) celebrates his opening goal during Portugal's 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan in Group K of the 2026 World Cup, in Houston, USA, on 23/6. Photo: AP

According to Spanish sports newspaper AS, Ronaldo once again did what he consistently does: respond to criticism with goals or outstanding performances. Similarly, Marca and Diario Sport viewed his brace against Uzbekistan as both a release and a fitting answer to his doubters.

France's leading sports daily, L'Equipe, was the sole major media outlet to offer a dissenting view. It argued that public attention was overly focused on Ronaldo's two goals, overlooking Uzbekistan's minimal resistance and easy defeat. In this match, the Asian team managed only 7 shots, two of which were on target but posed little threat. Their expected goals (xG) stood at just 0,25, compared to Portugal's 2,41.

Ronaldo has represented Portugal since 2003, setting two records with 230 appearances and 145 goals. He helped the national team secure its first titles at Euro 2016, Nations League 2019, and 2025. Including his club career, Ronaldo holds a record of 975 goals.

Currently, Portugal has four points after two matches in Group K of the 2026 World Cup. If they defeat Colombia on 27/6, Ronaldo and his teammates will advance as group winners. In the round of 16, they would then face one of the five third-placed teams from Groups D, E, I, J, and L.

Ronaldo's opening goal came during Portugal's 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan in Group K of the 2026 World Cup on 23/6.

By Thanh Quy