When someone asks does Ronaldo have World Cup, the natural confusion is: which Ronaldo? Brazil’s legendary striker Ronaldo (full name Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima), or Portugal’s superstar Cristiano Ronaldo (Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro)? Both are giants of the game — but their World Cup stories are very different. In short: Brazilian Ronaldo won the World Cup, in 2002; Cristiano Ronaldo has never won the World Cup. Below, ModiFoot will take you through their World Cup histories, achievements, and what makes their journeys so compelling.
Two Ronaldos, two very different paths
Ronaldo (Brazilian): “O Fenômeno”
- The Brazilian Ronaldo played in multiple World Cups (1994, 1998, 2002, 2006). He first appeared in 1994 but did not play in matches as a young squad member.
- His crowning moment came in 2002, in South Korea & Japan. After serious knee injuries and doubts over his fitness, he returned stronger than ever. He was Brazil’s top scorer in 2002 with 8 goals and won the Golden Boot.
- In the final vs Germany, Ronaldo scored both goals in Brazil’s 2-0 victory, sealing Brazil’s record fifth World Cup title.
So, yes: Ronaldo (Brazilian) has a World Cup trophy. He achieved what every young Brazilian striker dreams of.
Cristiano Ronaldo: Portugal’s Captain without the World Crown
- Cristiano has been a fixture in the Portugal national team since the early 2000s. He has played in five FIFA World Cups: 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022.
- However, despite his personal brilliance, his long list of trophies, and being among the most famous players ever, he has never won the FIFA World Cup.
- Portugal’s best World Cup result during Cristiano’s era came in 2006, where they reached the semi-finals and ended up in fourth place.
Key stats: World Cup records for both Ronaldos
Here are some important numbers for each when it comes to the World Cup stage:
- Ronaldo (Brazilian)
- • World Cup titles: 1 (2002)
- • Golden Boot winner (top scorer): 2002 with 8 goals
- • Goals in finals: 2 goals vs Germany in 2002 final
- Cristiano Ronaldo
- • World Cup titles: 0
- • Number of World Cups played: 5
- • Scored in each of those World Cups (2006-2022)
Why it matters: Legacy, expectations, what a World Cup means
For both Ronaldos, the World Cup is more than just a tournament: it’s the stage that defines careers, national pride, legacy.
- Brazil’saldo came into 2002 under enormous pressure — after injuries, after a disappointing 1998 final. His comeback, goals, and the final were more than a personal triumph; they restored Brazil’s aura, cemented his “Fenômeno” status.
- Cristiano has won almost everything else club-wise: Champions Leagues, domestic titles, individual awards. Fans and pundits often mention the “missing piece” of the World Cup when talking about his legacy — though it’s unfair to reduce him only to what he hasn’t won. Yet the World Cup remains the tournament that separates legends.
Conclusion
Does Ronaldo have World Cup? Yes — if you mean Brazilian Ronaldo. He has won the 2002 FIFA World Cup, scoring crucial goals and lifting the trophy for Brazil. But if you mean Cristiano Ronaldo, the answer is no: despite his incredible career, he has never won the World Cup.
ModiFoot hopes this clears the confusion, giving you both facts and context. If you want, tell us which “Ronaldo” you inferred, and we can dig deeper — individual World Cup tournaments, goals, or even comparisons to Messi or other legends.
