Players & the World Cup
Has Ronaldo Ever Won the World Cup?
No — Cristiano Ronaldo has never won the World Cup. His best finish with Portugal was fourth place in 2006. Confusingly, though, there is another Ronaldo who did win it: Brazil's Ronaldo Nazário lifted the trophy in 2002.
Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup record
| Year | Portugal's finish |
|---|---|
| 2006 | Fourth place (best result) |
| 2010 | Round of 16 |
| 2014 | Group stage |
| 2018 | Round of 16 |
| 2022 | Quarter-final |
Across five tournaments, Ronaldo and Portugal never reached a final. He did, however, win the European Championship with Portugal in 2016 and the Nations League in 2019.
The other Ronaldo who won it twice
Much of the confusion comes from Brazil's Ronaldo (Ronaldo Nazário, "R9"). He was in the squad that won in 1994, and starred in the 2002 win, scoring both goals in the final against Germany and finishing as the tournament's top scorer. Two different legends, one shared name.
Ronaldo vs Messi at the World Cup
The contrast fuels endless debate: Lionel Messi finally won the World Cup in 2022, while Cristiano Ronaldo's collection — five Ballon d'Or awards and a European title — does not include football's biggest prize.
Know your Ronaldos? Prove it
Telling the two Ronaldos apart is a classic quiz trap. Test yourself with our free World Cup Fan Challenge and see how your football knowledge ranks against other fans.
Quick Answers
Has Cristiano Ronaldo won the World Cup?
No — best finish 4th in 2006.
Did Brazil's Ronaldo win it?
Yes — in 2002 (and was in the 1994 squad).
Has Messi won the World Cup?
Yes, in 2022.