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By Megan Armstrong
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Portugal icon Cristiano Ronaldo is one of two players to ever appear in six World Cups, as the 2026 FIFA men's World Cup is No. 6 for him and Argentina's Lionel Messi, but it still feels like the first for his mother, Maria Dolores.
"I'm proud that my son continues to make history," Maria Dolores said in a video posted by FIFA on Saturday, June 27. "I want to thank all the fans that have been by your side. You've given so much to the world. A kiss to you, my son. Your mother is always here for you. I want to thank everyone for the respect you have shown my son."
"I send kisses to Portugal and all the Portuguese fans," she continued. "I hope football continues to bring people together. Go, Portugal! Kisses."
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Ronaldo, 41, and Portugal got off to a sluggish start in a 1-1 draw against Congo DR in their opener, but Ronaldo became the first man to score in six different World Cups when he notched a brace in a 5-0 win over Uzbekistan.
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After beating Uzbekistan, Ronaldo looked squarely into the FOX camera and said, "I'm back!"
That may have been premature, as Ronaldo struggled in Portugal's 0-0 draw against Colombia on Saturday. That result cemented Colombia as the Group K winners, with Portugal finishing as group runners-up. So, Portugal drew Croatia in the Round of 32 on Thursday, July 2.
Relative to their talent, especially in the midfield, Portugal underperformed in the group stage and cast heavy doubt on whether they can truly contend for the first World Cup in the country's history.
Regardless of how this shakes out for Portugal, Ronaldo is vying to score 1,000 career goals. Entering Thursday's match with Croatia, he sits at 975.
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