The 2022 FIFA World Cup has broken a lot of records. Cristiano Ronaldo scored a penalty in Portugal’s 3-2 victory over Ghana in Group H to become the first player to score at five FIFA World Cups (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022).
On November 23rd, in Group D, Olivier Giroud scored twice against Australia to lead France to a 4-1 victory, tying the nation’s all-time goal-scoring record.
The four players listed below have scored for their nations in six straight FIFA World Cups:
Eusebio: Portugal
The Mozambican-born Eusebio, arguably the best athlete to kick a ball from the Iberian Peninsula, was admired as “Black Panther” or simply “The King.” He has served as a footballing hero for both Portugal and his team, Benfica. He was a prolific goal scorer who was well-known for his pace and technique. In his career, he scored a staggering 733 goals in 745 games.
He is regarded as one of the greatest players of all time by Brazilian superstar Pele, who placed him in his 2004 FIFA 100 list of the top 125 active footballers. He is possibly Benfica’s all-time best player.
He scored nine goals in six games for his nation to lead all scorers at the 1966 World Cup. Although he scored a penalty in the semi-final loss to England (1-2), he was unable to lead his beloved Portugal to World Cup success.
Because of the photographs of Eusebio crying after losing, this game is still fondly referred to as the “Game of Tears” in Portugal. Finally, he guides them to Portugal’s best-ever third-place finish.
Paolo Rossi: Italy
The renowned Italian striker Paolo Rossi, who also won the Golden Ball for being the tournament’s best player, scored six goals to lead Italy to the 1982 FIFA World Cup championship.
Along with Mario Kempes in 1978 and Garrincha in 1962, Rossi is one of only three athletes to have won all three honors at a World Cup. He was able to win the Ballon d’Or in 1982 thanks to his incredible World Cup performance in Spain.
Since then, no one has ever seen or done another great series of performances for their country on the World Cup stage. He was cruelly killed in 2020 and is now a member of the Italian Hall of Fame.
Oleg Salenko: Russia
Russia’s Oleg Salenko was nothing short of a real-life hero for the Russian Federation at the FIFA World Cup in the USA, in 1994. He single-handedly scored five goals for his country in a 6-1 rout of Cameroon, which still is a World Cup record for the most goals scored in a single game.
Oleg Salenko shared the top-scoring title, with Hristo Stoichkov of Bulgaria with seven goals. Surprisingly, he played only three games as Russia bowed out in the group stages. He also holds another record of being the only player in the history of football to win the golden boot at an Under-20 World Cup and senior World Cup.
Enner Valencia: Ecuador
Due to his six consecutive goals for his nation, Enner Valencia has joined the ranks of players whose names will live on in World Cup history. After scoring a well-earned equalizer for Ecuador against Group A adversary Netherlands on November 25, 2022, he enters the distinguished group mentioned above.
In addition, he presently leads the World Cup in goals scored with three, including a brace against the hosts Qatar in the tournament’s opening 2-0 triumph. In the season coming up to the World Cup, the Fenerbache striker has been in the best shape of his career, contributing with a combined club total of 13 goals and four assists.
As a result, his performance may stand out as he seeks to advance his side. surprising to many, but Ecuador is not on his side. Sadly, a knee injury forced Ecuador’s captain and Golden Boot leader to be stretchered off in the 90th minute. If Ecuadorian fans are to advance further in the competition, they will be hoping for his speedy recovery.
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