"I'm a bit confused when I hear Ronaldo say he's back. Back from where? If you score two goals and shout 'I'm back', it sounds like you've been missing for ten years and suddenly returned from another planet," Ibrahimovic commented on Fox Sports on 24/6. He added, "Perhaps he means he's silenced his critics. If that's what he means, then fine." According to the former Inter, AC Milan, and PSG star, Uzbekistan is not a particularly difficult opponent, so Ronaldo scoring two goals was a good achievement but not entirely surprising.

Thierry Henry, another former star who criticized Ronaldo after the opening draw against DR Congo, also believes the recent brace is positive for Portugal but needs further validation. "The avenger has finally appeared, but can he do the same against Colombia? That would be a tough opponent," the former Arsenal and Barca striker analyzed.

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

Ronaldo faced much criticism after Portugal's opening Group K draw against DR Congo. Many believed the 41-year-old striker was past his prime, suggesting he should start from the bench and give way to younger players. However, in the second match on 23/6, Ronaldo shone with the opening goal in the 6th minute and completed his brace in the 39th minute, setting the stage for Portugal's dominant victory. After the match, Ronaldo turned to the camera and delivered the message: "I'm back." Thanks to the opening goal, he became the first player to score in 6 World Cups, and also the second oldest player to score in the tournament, at 41 years and 138 days old, only behind Roger Milla of Cameroon.

While Ibrahimovic and Henry expressed skepticism, former Manchester United teammates were pleased for Ronaldo. Former defender Gary Neville said he enjoyed watching Ronaldo celebrate goals with anger. Former midfielder Roy Keane believed criticizing CR7 was normal but shouldn't be too harsh. Former striker Wayne Rooney also praised: "For him to score two goals at the World Cup at the age of 41 is unbelievable. Ronaldo has faced some criticism, and this is his way of responding. He has done this throughout his career."

Ronaldo has played for Portugal since 2003, setting national team records for appearances (230) and goals (145). He helped the team win its three major titles: Euro 2016, Nations League 2019 and 2025. Including club level, he currently holds the record for 975 goals. Ronaldo has also become Portugal's highest scorer in World Cups, with 10 goals, breaking Eusebio's milestone of 9 goals.

Currently, Portugal has 4 points after two World Cup 2026 matches, ranking second in Group K and trailing Colombia by two points. To advance as group winners, Ronaldo and his teammates need to defeat the South American representatives on 27/6. If they achieve this, in the round of 16, they will face one of the 5 third-placed teams from Groups D, E, I, J, and L.

Thanh Quy (according to Fox, X, Youtube)