The Portuguese are curious about how Cristiano Ronaldo continues to play football, especially after his triumph in the 2021 Nations League. On the RMC podcast, a PSG player expressed hope that Ronaldo would still be competing in the 2026 World Cup, despite concerns regarding his age and physical condition. At 39, Ronaldo currently plays for Al Nassr in the Saudi league and recently faced criticism for a missed penalty, but he remains undeterred. His teammate Vitinha noted, “Ronaldo is 39 years old, but he starts in the national team,” emphasizing the professionalism that drives him daily. Vitinha feels privileged to play alongside Ronaldo, stating, “He does not surrender easily.” Many believe that Ronaldo will aim for the 2026 World Cup. Articles suggest his intent to participate, which would be his sixth World Cup, potentially matching the record set by Mexican player Salcedo. At that point, he would be forty-one, facing heightened physical demands. Given his consistent high-level performance and dedication over the past 10-15 years, it seems likely he may defy expectations. If he succeeds, he would become the oldest player to appear in a World Cup and strive for his first trophy since a second-place finish in 2006. While he hasn’t explicitly announced his future plans, his past performances strongly indicate his desire to continue competing for years to come
