New Delhi, 03 July (H.S.): Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo added another milestone to his illustrious career during the FIFA World Cup 2026, becoming the oldest outfield player ever to start a knockout match in the tournament's history.

Ronaldo achieved the feat when he took the field against Croatia in Portugal's Round of 32 clash. At 41 years, four months and 27 days old, he surpassed the previous record held by Bosnia and Herzegovina's Edin Džeko, who was 40 years and 106 days old when he started in his side's Round of 32 match against the United States.

The Portuguese legend is one of only three players in world football history to have featured in six FIFA World Cup tournaments, underlining his extraordinary longevity at the highest level of the sport.

During his glittering international career, Ronaldo has led Portugal to one UEFA European Championship title and two UEFA Nations League triumphs, cementing his status as one of the greatest footballers of all time.

The 41-year-old continues to rewrite the record books and leave an enduring legacy in world football. He will now aim to guide Portugal deeper into the FIFA World Cup 2026 and pursue the one major international title that has eluded him throughout his remarkable career.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar