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Ronaldo becomes first player to score in six World Cups with two goals against Uzbekistan
By KRISTIE RIEKEN, Associated Press at Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar)
· June 23, 2026
· 1 min read
HOUSTON (AP) — Cristiano Ronaldo had a simple but strong message as the final whistle sounded after Portugal’s big win at the World Cup on Tuesday. “I’m back,” he said directly into the television camera. “I’m back.” Ronaldo became the first player to score in six different World Cup tournaments ...
Key takeaway “I’m back,” he said directly into the television camera.
Why this matters in The Odessa
For Odessa residents who follow international soccer, Cristiano Ronaldo's historic achievement is a notable milestone. While the match against Uzbekistan took place far from the Permian Basin, the record-breaking feat is likely to spark conversations among local soccer enthusiasts. As the community continues to grow and diversify, interest in global sports like soccer is on the rise in Odessa. Ronaldo's accomplishment may inspire young players in Ector County schools and local soccer leagues, who can look up to him as a role model for dedication and perseverance. The fact that Ronaldo achieved this milestone at the age of 41 is particularly remarkable, and his legacy is likely to be felt in the soccer community for years to come. Local fans can appreciate the significance of his record, even if the match itself was not a direct concern for Odessa.
About this story
Original reporting by Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar) . The Odessa surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 23, 2026 ·
Source: Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? HOUSTON (AP) — Cristiano Ronaldo had a simple but strong message as the final whistle sounded after Portugal’s big win at the World Cup on Tuesday. “I’m back,” he said directly into the television camera. “I’m back.” Ronaldo became the first player to score in six different World Cup tournaments ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 23, 2026 by Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar) and curated for The Odessa readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by KRISTIE RIEKEN, Associated Press at Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar). To learn more about how The Odessa selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Odessa, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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