Ronaldo, who is under contract with Saudi club Al Nassr through 2027, helped Portugal win Euro 2016 but has never lifted the World Cup. After Messi led Argentina to the title in 2022, Ronaldo moved into the spotlight among all time greats who never the tournament, a group the source also names as including Robert Lewandowski, Johan Cruyff, Ferenc Puskas, Eusebio, Karl Heinz Rummenigge and Michel Platini.
Definitely, yes, because I will be 41 years old. I feel very good in this moment. I score goals, I still feel quick and sharp. I'm enjoying my game in the national team. But of course, let's be honest. What I mean by soon, it's probably one or two years.
A hamstring issue kept Ronaldo out of Portugal's roster for March friendlies against Mexico and the United States, but coach Roberto Martinez has reiterated that Ronaldo will be a key part of the World Cup squad.
Cristiano is our captain, a role model and a player with a real hunger. He's not just a 41 year old player; he's a player who's hungry to improve every day. He's proving to be an exemplary captain and an inspiration to the younger players, someone who shows the way and embodies our values.
Ronaldo scored eight goals in nine Portugal appearances in 2025 and has 24 goals in 27 Al Nassr games during the 2025-26 season. He also remains on track toward 1,000 career goals for club and country, with Messi recently reaching 900.
Portugal's best World Cup finish in Ronaldo's five previous trips was fourth in 2006. The team exited in the quarterfinals to Morocco at Qatar 2022, fell in the Round of 16 in 2010 and 2018, and went out in the group stage in 2014 in a group that included Germany, the United States and Ghana. At 2026, Portugal is in Group K with Colombia, DR Congo and Uzbekistan, with knockout stage progress likely tied to Ronaldo's fitness.
