Fonte pointed to two qualities he believes define Ronaldo's place at the top of the sport: longevity and consistency at the highest level. He argued that maintaining elite standards deep into a player's career is what separates Ronaldo from the rest of the field.
Cristiano is the ultimate example of longevity and consistency; at the highest level, there is no greater. Therefore, I learned a lot from him, exchanging ideas, experiences, living things I had never seen before. I learned a lot, and what he does, continues to do, and will certainly continue to do is commendable.
Despite entering the latter stages of his career, Ronaldo remains a key figure for Portugal. Fonte expressed confidence in the national team's chances on the international stage and backed Portugal to challenge for 2026 World Cup glory.
Expectations are high, the players believe in themselves and we are all rooting for them. They have to start well and believe until the end.
Ronaldo is set to lead Portugal in the tournament in North America as he continues his pursuit of the one major honour missing from his career: a World Cup title. Portugal will begin their World Cup campaign against DR Congo in their Group K opener on June 17. They will then face Uzbekistan on June 23, and close out the group stage against Colombia later this month.
