Cristiano Ronaldo is now the first player to ever score in five different men's World Cup competitions.

The 37-year-old, whose Manchester United contract was terminated this week, scored Portugal's opening World Cup goal against Ghana on a penalty kick on Thursday night.

Before the game, Ronaldo was one of five players who had found the net in four different World Cups, alongside Lionel Messi, Miroslav Klose, Uwe Seeler, and Pele.

But Ronaldo’s goal against Ghana means he has now made history by being the only player to score in five World Cups.

Ronaldo’s first goal at a World Cup came in 2006, when he scored a penalty against Iran.

In 2010, Ronaldo scored in a 7-0 win over North Korea, and in 2014, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner struck a late winner against Ghana, although Portugal crashed out at the group stage.

Ronaldo’s best World Cup so far was in 2014, when he scored a hat-trick in a thrilling 3-3 draw with Spain and netted the winner in a 1-0 victory over Morocco.

PLAYERS WHO HAVE SCORED IN DIFFERENT WORLD CUPS

• 5 – Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022
• 4 – Pele (Brazil) 1958, 1962, 1966, 1970
• 4 – Uwe Seeler (West Germany) 1958, 1962, 1966, 1970
• 4 – Miroslav Klose (Germany) 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014
• 4 – Lionel Messi (Argentina) 2006, 2014, 2018, 2022

Ronaldo also holds the record for the most goals scored at international level with 118 in 192 appearances.

Portugal, meanwhile, endured a nervy second half against Ghana but were able to hold out for a 3-2 win, which puts them top of Group H. They will play Uruguay in their next group game on Monday.