Cristiano Ronaldo endured a tough Euro 2024 marketing campaign however that is probably not the veteran’s ultimate bow at a significant worldwide match.
The Al Nassr centre-forward was lambasted for his underwhelming shows for Portugal in Germany, with many suggesting it could be the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s ultimate outing on the worldwide stage.
Nevertheless, Ronaldo continues to defy expectations. Boasting a want for fulfillment seldom seen in even probably the most ardent professionals, he can be eyeing the opportunity of turning out in crimson and inexperienced on the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the US, Mexico and Canada.
However will the Actual Madrid and Manchester United legend make it to North America?
The easy reply is sure, Ronaldo remains to be donning Portugal colors. Worldwide soccer’s high goalscorer has been closely concerned for his nation even after a tough Euro 2024, including to his ludicrous objective tally within the 2024/25 UEFA Nations League.
The ahead scored in Portugal’s first three matches within the competitors, together with a late winner in a 2-1 victory over Scotland. Because it stands, Ronaldo stays a agency a part of Roberto Martinez’s plans.
Ronaldo’s shows in Germany highlighted his waning affect for Portugal. The skipper usually proved a detriment to his facet somewhat than a profit, together with his lack of motion within the ultimate third inflicting Martinez points.
Nevertheless, there are no indicators suggesting that Ronaldo will retire previous to the 2026 World Cup. If the legendary striker is on the market for choice, there’s a sturdy probability he makes Portugal’s squad for the match – offering they qualify, in fact.
Talking forward of the Nations League earlier this 12 months, he did handle his retirement. “After I depart the nationwide workforce, I received’t inform anybody prematurely and will probably be a really spontaneous determination on my half, but in addition a really well-thought-out one,” admitted Ronaldo.
“Proper now what I need is to have the ability to assist the nationwide workforce of their upcoming matches. We’ve the Nations League forward of us and I would like to play.”
No matter whether or not it could show a blessing or a curse for the Portuguese nationwide workforce, there stays the distinct risk that Ronaldo at the least travels with the workforce to the World Cup.
Qualification for the 2026 World Cup kicks off in March 2025 and Ronaldo can be 40 by that time. Portugal are prone to progress to the match, that means he could be 41 when jetting off to North America.
Sadly for Ronaldo, he will not set the document for oldest World Cup performer, with that exact tag held by Egypt’s Essam El Hadary. The goalkeeper was 45 years previous when he took to the sector throughout the 2018 World Cup.
Colombian goalkeeper Faryd Mondragon would additionally finest Ronaldo, taking part in on the 2014 World Cup aged 43. The oldest outfield participant is Cameroon icon Roger Milla, who was a powerful 42 years previous on the 1994 championships when he additionally turned the competitors’s oldest goalscorer.
Nevertheless, Ronaldo would safe his standing because the fourth-oldest participant and the second-oldest outfield participant to ever compete on the World Cup.
