Cristiano Ronaldo wore a special shirt in Portugal's 2026 World Cup opener against DR Congo, and is likely to continue to do so for the rest of this summer's tournament.
Ronaldo, despite being 41 years old, was included in Roberto Martinez's 26-man Portugal squad for the competition in North America.
This summer's tournament will most likely be the last opportunity for Ronaldo to end his career as a World Cup winner.
He was named in Portugal's starting lineup for their opening match of the tournament against DR Congo on Wednesday afternoon. However, he struggled to make an impact at Houston Stadium.
Ronaldo played the full 90 minutes but was unable to get on the scoresheet as Portugal stumbled to a 1-1 draw against the African outfit.
Cristiano Ronaldo Wears Special Shirt vs DR Congo
Cristiano RonaldoPhil Noble via Reuters
Ronaldo is starring at a record-equalling sixth World Cup this summer. His World Cup career began in 2006 when he helped his nation to the semi-finals. He has since featured for Portugal in 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 and now 2026.
To commemorate his achievements, Ronaldo's World Cup shirt features a special 'legacy' patch on the sleeve.
The patch, which is located just below the World Cup logo, features the Portugal flag alongside the word 'legacy'.
Only players that have featured in five or more World Cup tournaments are permitted to wear the special patch this summer.
Argentina star Lionel Messi also wore the patch during Argentina's opener against Algeria. He has also played in the same six World Cups that Ronaldo has played in.
Japan's Yūto Nagatomo, Germany captain Manuel Neuer and Croatia star Luka Modric also wore the patch in their matches against the Netherlands, Curaçao and Croatia respectively.
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Cristiano Ronaldo Slammed For Performance vs DR Congo
Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo in action with DR Congo's Ngal'ayel Mukau and Chancel MbembaCristiano Ronaldo via REUTERS/Annegret Hilse
Ronaldo was slammed by talkSPORT pundit Tony Cascarino following his performance against DR Congo.
He said, per Goal: "I’m trying to be as kind as I can… but he [Ronaldo] was really off it. And he just looks like time has caught up with him. He hasn’t got the pace. He’s not even got the energy to pick up the ball.
"He offered nothing to the Portuguese team. I can’t believe Martinez has kept him on. I’m thinking, 'This is your job - does he just want to keep friends with Ronaldo? Do you want to stay on his side?' You’ve got to take people off.
"If that’s the decision that improves the team and gives the best chance of winning, you’ve got to make it as a manager. And I know he’s going to leave at the end of this term. This felt like it’s a manager just going, 'I’m gonna stay pals with my mate Ronaldo'."
Thierry Henry was also critical of his 'seflish' play. The Frenchman said on Fox: "One thing that's important, people, please at home, the team needs to score. Not you needs to score...
"Because he wants to score, he goes in the path of the back pass, you see both players, and it's easier for you to defend. And that's my thing: the team needs to score. Not you."
Ronaldo and Portugal return to action on Tuesday, June 23 when they take on Uzbekistan.