Zlatan Ibrahimovic Reacts to Cristiano Ronaldo’s I Am Back Claim

Zlatan Ibrahimovic Reacts to Cristiano Ronaldo’s I Am Back Claim

June 25, 2026 discoverhiddenusacom Sports

Cristiano Ronaldo scored two goals in Portugal’s 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan during the 2026 World Cup on June 24, 2026, according to BILD. The 41-year-old striker told a cameraman “I am back! I am back!” after the match, a claim that prompted an ironic response from TV expert Zlatan Ibrahimovic on Fox Sports.

Why did Cristiano Ronaldo say “I am back”?

Ronaldo’s comments followed a period of criticism after Portugal’s first World Cup match, which ended in a 1-1 draw against the Democratic Republic of Congo. According to BILD, the striker struggled for involvement in that game, recording only 25 ball contacts.

Why did Cristiano Ronaldo say "I am back"?

This figure was lower than that of Portugal’s 26-year-old goalkeeper, Diogo Costa, who had 37 ball contacts during the same match. Ronaldo’s two goals against Uzbekistan served as a direct response to these critics.

Did You Know? Cristiano Ronaldo is the only player in history to score in six different World Cup finals, spanning from 2006 to 2026.

How did Zlatan Ibrahimovic react to Ronaldo’s claim?

Speaking to Fox Sports, Zlatan Ibrahimovic expressed irritation and irony regarding Ronaldo’s “I am back” statement. Ibrahimovic stated, “I thought he was never gone. I don’t know why he says: ‘I am back’.”

The 44-year-old former professional analyzed the match as a favorable opportunity for the Portuguese side. Ibrahimovic noted it was a game where Portugal could score many goals and where “one could score.”

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the tension between Ronaldo’s self-perception and Ibrahimovic’s analysis highlights the high stakes of individual performance at age 41. While Ronaldo views his resurgence as a “return,” critics like Ibrahimovic frame it as a natural result of a vulnerable opponent.

What records did Ronaldo break in the match?

Ronaldo opened the scoring in the 6th minute and added a second in the 39th minute. According to BILD, these goals established him as the oldest World Cup goalscorer in Portuguese history.

Zlatan Ibrahimović Delivers SCATHING Reply To Cristiano Ronaldo's Statement

The performance solidified his status as the only player to find the net in six separate tournament editions: 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026.

What happens next for Portugal?

Portugal is scheduled to play its final group match against Colombia on Sunday at 1:30 AM German time. Colombia currently leads Group K.

The outcome of this match could determine Portugal’s final standing in the group. Ronaldo may look to maintain his scoring form against the group leaders to secure a favorable position for the knockout stages.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many goals did Cristiano Ronaldo score against Uzbekistan?
Ronaldo scored two goals, one in the 6th minute and another in the 39th minute.

Which record did Ronaldo set during the 2026 World Cup?
He became the oldest Portuguese World Cup goalscorer and the first player to score in six different World Cup finals.

Who is Portugal’s next opponent in the group stage?
Portugal will face Colombia, the current leader of Group K, on Sunday.

Do you think Ronaldo’s record-breaking form will be enough to lead Portugal past Colombia?