Cristiano Ronaldo has dominated the beautiful game for over two decades, rewriting the record books as the only player to score in five different FIFA World Cups. Photo: AFP

While many believe Cristiano Ronaldo is the GOAT of football, the biggest prize in football has always eluded him – the FIFA World Cup.

Few players have left a bigger mark on international football than Cristiano Ronaldo. Across five FIFA World Cups between 2006 and 2022, the Portuguese superstar built a legacy that places him among the tournament's most iconic figures, even if the trophy itself never found its way into his hands.

The numbers paint a remarkable picture. Ronaldo has made 22 World Cup appearances, scoring eight goals and providing two assists in 1,860 minutes on the pitch. Those appearances span an incredible 16 years, highlighting the longevity that has defined his career.

His finest World Cup campaign came in Russia 2018, where he scored four goals in four matches. The standout moment was undoubtedly his unforgettable hat-trick against Spain, capped by a sensational late free-kick that secured a dramatic 3-3 draw.