Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo is preparing for his sixth World Cup.
It really is incredible that Cristiano Ronaldo is set to play in yet another World Cup. Along with Lionel Messi, the forward is playing in a sixth consecutive tournament.
This is not really getting enough positive credit. Ronaldo instead is criticised in some quarters for selfishly hanging on, and not passing the baton to the younger generation.
At the age of 41, Ronaldo believes he still has something to offer, and has unfinished business.
His former Portugal international teammate Fernando Meira is convinced Ronaldo is a positive for Portugal.
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Cristiano Ronaldo helps Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo is the all-time leading international goalscorer with 143 goals. Only eight of these have come at the World Cup, and none in knockout matches.
Meira believes Ronaldo can still have a big role to play in 2026, helping the younger players around him.
He is quoted via Portuguese outlet Sapo: “Looking back, it even gives me goosebumps, what he represents for us, for Portugal, for the whole world and for the younger generation, who see him as an example.
“He has always shown that he is someone who exceeds expectations, who works and dedicates himself in an unparalleled way, and it was a tremendous source of pride to follow his evolution and performance. He is the best of all time.”
Speaking about Ronaldo’s ability to contribute to this current side, Meira explained: “He doesn’t have the natural and physical characteristics of his earlier years, but he continues to be a great reference point, both as a player and as a captain. He’s a valuable asset.
“He will attract attention, and hopefully he can have a good World Cup, with many goals. Nowadays he doesn’t unbalance the game in one-on-one situations, but in terms of finishing, the goals speak for themselves and open up spaces for others.”
After a poor Euro 2024, there were questions over whether Ronaldo would be reduced to a bit-part role for 2026.
Ronaldo scored 10 goals during qualifiers, with Portugal winning 10 out of 10 games. Ronaldo played in eight of them.
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Ronaldo is better prepared in 2026
Cristiano Ronaldo enters the World Cup in 2026 in a better place than he did in 2022, after he forced his exit from Manchester United.
This time around he is celebrating winning a first league title with Al-Nassr, achieving many individual feats in the process.
Ronaldo also has the benefit of a red hot Bruno Fernandes creating chances, and that could be the real key to his chances of success at (probably) his final World Cup.
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