Cristiano Ronaldo endured a tough Euro 2024 marketing campaign however that is probably not the veteran’s closing bow at a serious worldwide event.
The Al Nassr centre-forward was lambasted for his underwhelming shows for Portugal in Germany, with many suggesting it will be the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s closing outing on the worldwide stage.
Nonetheless, Ronaldo continues to defy expectations. Boasting a want for fulfillment seldom seen in even probably the most ardent professionals, he shall be eyeing the opportunity of turning out in pink and inexperienced on the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, 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 purpose 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 reasonably than a profit, together with his lack of motion within the closing third inflicting Martinez points.
Nonetheless, there aren’t any indicators suggesting that Ronaldo will retire previous to the 2026 World Cup. If the legendary striker is accessible for choice, there’s a sturdy probability he makes Portugal’s squad for the event – offering they qualify, in fact.
Talking forward of the Nations League earlier this yr, he did tackle his retirement. “After I go away the nationwide group, I gained’t inform anybody upfront and it will likely be a really spontaneous resolution on my half, but additionally a really well-thought-out one,” admitted Ronaldo.
“Proper now what I would like is to have the ability to assist the nationwide group of their upcoming matches. We’ve got the Nations League forward of us and I would like to play.”
No matter whether or not it will show a blessing or a curse for the Portuguese nationwide group, there stays the distinct chance that Ronaldo not less than travels with the group to the World Cup.
Qualification for the 2026 World Cup kicks off in March 2025 and Ronaldo shall be 40 by that time. Portugal are more likely to progress to the event, that means he could be 41 when jetting off to North America.
Sadly for Ronaldo, he will not set the report for oldest World Cup performer, with that specific tag held by Egypt’s Essam El Hadary. The goalkeeper was 45 years outdated when he took to the sphere 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 formidable 42 years outdated on the 1994 championships when he additionally turned the competitors’s oldest goalscorer.
Nonetheless, Ronaldo would safe his standing because the fourth-oldest participant and the second-oldest outfield participant to ever compete on the World Cup.
