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May 16, 2025
Ronaldo has not been a stranger to creating new rules for longevity in football. In his 40s, the legend of the Portuguese reminisces as an active agent on the side of the game, contradicting expectations with every stepover. Now, lovers and critics are all asking the same question – will he play – regarding his supposed coming out in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Is Portugal’s Ronaldo going to have one last swan song on the brightest stage?
Even at his age, Ronaldo has not gone into the background. Rather, he goes on to shine at Al-Nassr, playing in the Saudi Pro League, hitting the back of the net with the same hunger and accuracy that made him the world icon he is. At the club level, his performances are still consistent, and his presence in the Portugal national team can still be felt (both on and off the pitch). Furthermore, Bof Casino UK offers football fans the chance to take a punt on whether Ronaldo will head to the 2026 World Cup. They could even explore Portugal's chances of lifting the iconic trophy for the first time in their history. Placing a wager on Ronaldo's road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup can make your football experience more entertaining from now until the big one in 2026.
Cristiano Ronaldo - The full story
Age is always a deal-breaker in competitive football, mainly on the international scale. Ronaldo isn’t a typical footballer, though. Just by his goal-scoring record at 40, it already says a lot. In 2024, he was still the best scorer of Portugal in the critical Euro 2024 qualifiers, and he has been keeping up the pace in the Saudi Pro League with double-digit goals and assists for Al-Nassr.
His physical condition remains exceptional. His decade-long habit of disciplined fitness regimes, nutrition, and injury prevention strategies has kept him in almost elite form. Unlike other players who become dimmer with advancing years, Ronaldo has just reset his game. He is no longer that explosive winger of his younger days but a clinical forward with unequaled positional sense and the ability to finish.
Ronaldo's role in the national team has also changed. He may not play every minute or start every starting XI, but his presence in the squad is tactical. Manager Roberto Martínez has made room for younger talent while using Ronaldo’s experience, leadership, and goal-scoring instinct when it counts the most.
Much more than goals, Ronaldo brings unrivalled leadership to the Portugal dressing room. His impact on rising stars such as João Félix, Rafael Leão, and Gonçalo Ramos is apparent. Seeing him around as a mentor in such a high-stakes tournament as the World Cup might make all the difference in squad morale and unity.
The love for wearing the national jersey has never diminished. Each goal he scores and each cap he gets still weigh in his heart, as well as on the hearts of an entire generation of fans who grew up on stories of his achievements. Even Ronaldo has dropped a hint that, as long as he feels he is competitive and even required, he will continue to play for Portugal.
What makes the situation more complicated is not whether he’s willing to do it but whether the coaching staff sees his inclusion as having been a net positive in 2026. Would the presence of this player add to the team's chemistry? Will he be willing to settle for a rotational or a substitute role if that is the situation? A yes might be an answer depending on how flexible he has been in the last two years.
Portugal has a team that is perhaps one of the most talented in Europe. It has exciting young forwards and midfielders. The likes of Ramos, Leão, and Diogo Jota are all hungry and good. Some critics say that if the team keeps accommodating Ronaldo, it could block the transition towards being a more modern, flowing attacking outfit.
This, however, presumes a dichotomous choice between the youth and experience. The reality is more nuanced. If Ronaldo stays good, plays tactically, and has no problem playing with younger teammates, why not? As a matter of fact, his experienced input may be the solution to finding the balance required to manoeuvre the rough grounds of a World Cup tournament.
A team with Ronaldo in 2026 will not need to build its game with him – it can use his experience, especially in critical situations. This was portrayed during Portugal’s 2016 Euro winner in which Ronaldo’s management from the bench in the final was as potent as any strike he had given.
The journey to the 2026 World Cup will be decided in the next 12 months through qualifiers, friendlies, and tournament play. Ronaldo will have to keep fit, keep going, and above all, stay in tandem with the team’s ever-growing tactical identity.
Roberto Martinez has been admiring Ronaldo’s commitment and professionalism. If the veteran striker continues to be productive and willing to take a flexible role, then the door to the World Cup might not be closed. Very much is going to depend on the situation at that time in Portugal, the shape of the squad, and the personality of the leadership of Martínez when he goes into the tournament.
The decision will not be a matter of numbers or form but legacy, balance, and ambition. The desire to play in a sixth World Cup is pretty well-documented with Ronaldo himself. However, unlike in the past years, the emphasis will not be on how he makes a centerpiece of a more significant project, but on how he fits into a more substantial project.
Cristiano Ronaldo's career has already crossed eras. His trail in the game can be traced from the day he made his debut appearance in 2003 to when he was handed the Euro 2016 title; from conquering the Champions League to agonising in the World Cup, his journey has been nothing less than remarkable.
The potential of wrapping up his international career in North America, in the 2026 World Cup, is an idea that cannot be ignored.
Either way, one thing is for sure: Ronaldo’s impact on Portugal’s golden generation and the game itself is unerasable. If he puts on his boots and goes one last round on the world stage, it would not be a farewell tour — it would be a tribute to a legend who defied time.
Cristiano Ronaldo next game for Al Nassr is on May 16, against Al Taawon, for the Saudi Super League. You can watch Al Nassr vs Al Taawon, Real Madrid vs Mallorca, Espanyol vs FC Barcelona, Chelsea vs Man United, Aston Villa vs Tottenham and AC Milan vs Bologna, all matches provided from our streaming soccer game pages.
Al Nassr next game:
Al Nassr vs Al Taawon kick-off time (16-05-2025):
Beijing (China) | UTC/GMT+7: 02:00
India (New Delhi) | UTC/GMT+4.30: 23:30
Saudi Arabia (Riyadh) | UTC/GMT+2: 21:00
Spain (Madrid) | UTC/GMT+1: 20:00
Portugal and England (Lisbon/London) | UTC/GMT+0: 19:00
Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) | UTC/GMT-3: 16:00
New York (United States) | UTC/GMT-4: 15:00
Los Angeles (United States) | UTC/GMT-7: 12:00
Sources: ronaldo7.net / dw.com / goal.com
