Ronaldo Becomes Oldest World Cup Outfield Starter at 41 as Portugal Opens With 1-1 Draw
Updated
Updated · Yahoo Sports · Jun 17
Ronaldo Becomes Oldest World Cup Outfield Starter at 41 as Portugal Opens With 1-1 Draw
3 articles · Updated · Yahoo Sports · Jun 17
Summary
Cristiano Ronaldo started Portugal’s Group K opener against DR Congo at 41 years, 132 days, becoming the oldest outfield player ever to start a World Cup match.
That record came in his sixth World Cup appearance, a milestone reached the moment Portugal named him in the lineup for what is likely his final shot at the title.
Portugal’s opener still ended in frustration in Houston, with João Neves scoring before Yoane Wissa earned DR Congo a 1-1 draw and the nation’s first World Cup goal and point.
Ronaldo cannot break Roger Milla’s oldest World Cup scorer mark of 42 years, 39 days, but he can still surpass Pepe as Portugal’s oldest World Cup goalscorer.
Do expert predictions against Ronaldo signal the end of an era, or set the stage for his greatest World Cup triumph?
At 41, is Cristiano Ronaldo Portugal's greatest asset for World Cup glory or their most significant tactical liability?
FIFA’s Controversial Probation Lets Ronaldo Play Record Sixth World Cup Despite Violent Conduct Ban
Overview
Cristiano Ronaldo was initially at risk of missing the 2026 World Cup after receiving a red card for violent conduct against Ireland during the qualifiers, which was upgraded from a yellow card after a VAR review. FIFA first imposed a three-match ban, but after an appeal from Portugal, they issued a discretionary ruling on November 25, 2025, suspending two matches under a one-year probation. This allowed Ronaldo to play in the tournament, with the condition that any similar offense within a year would reinstate the ban. The decision sparked controversy due to its leniency compared to similar cases.