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March 13, 2025
Cristiano Ronaldo will be 41 in 2026. Most other players aren't still playing by that age, let alone still playing at the highest level. But Ronaldo is not a typical player. Can he emulate the extraordinary feats of other football greats who continued to play at the highest level well into their later years?
When it comes to predicting how many goals Ronaldo might score in the 2026 World Cup, there’s no simple answer. Much like gambling at Katana Spin Casino, it's an unpredictable venture. However, that uncertainty is part of the allure. Ronaldo’s consistency and undeniable hunger for success suggest that he could still be a crucial player for Portugal, that he's still worth betting on. The World Cup’s history is littered with players who defied expectations, proving that age is not always a barrier to greatness. Ronaldo’s ambitions in 2026 might not seem too far-fetched, given the examples of those before him who have made their mark on the tournament at an age where many are content to pass the torch.
Cristiano Ronaldo - Roses
Consider Roger Milla, for example. A player who, at 42, defied convention in the 1994 World Cup. When he travelled with the Cameroonian squad, Milla was not really meant to be starring in the tournament. But there he was, amidst it all, and his mythical mission against Russia — one of the greatest moments in World Cup lore — was proof that age doesn't always keep a player from imposing his will. His success was more a product of his comprehension of the game and skill at creating space that others could not than of his athleticism. Like Ronaldo, Milla's worth was more than any physical attribute, and he is a legend of grit and perseverance. As the old adage goes, the first five yards are in your head.
There are many other examples of stars who shone on the grandest stage in their forties. Admittedly, most of them played between the sticks. It seems as though goalkeepers, like Dino Zoff and Peter Shilton, enjoy the greatest longevity in the game, but Ronaldo can look to Milla for inspiration, proof that there are other notable exceptions to the rule.
Ronaldo's ability to stay in top physical shape has always helped him stand out. He's always been dedicated to his body, taking an extreme regime that leaves him in top physical shape but also maintains the explosive speed, quickness, and drive that have characterised him. Compared to other players who tend to experience a significant decline in performance as they age, Ronaldo's approach to remaining fit guarantees that he has stayed at a level of greatness that others can merely dream of.
In the 2021-2022 campaign, at 37 years of age, Ronaldo scored 24 goals for Manchester United, proving that even nearing the later part of his career, he remained a threat up front. At that age, he was able to deliver performances most players in their 20s could not. If that was his standard at 37, then it is not too much of a stretch to consider that he might still have some part to play at 41, though one more as that of an experienced head within the team. He has continued scoring in Saudi Arabia, with recent exploits meaning he's now scored as many goals since turning 30 as he did before the age of 30.
Let's not kid ourselves: 41 is a tricky age for any footballer. Agility and pace cannot help but decline with the inevitable passage of time. But the likes of Ronaldo have repeatedly proved that physical limitations are not always the deciding factor in a player's value. His technical ability, his football intelligence, and his mental toughness render him an exception — one that might yet leave a lasting mark at the 2026 World Cup.
If Ronaldo does arrive at the 2026 World Cup, there are a few questions that are unanswered. What will his contribution be to the Portugal team? Will he be a starting point, or will he be in a more peripheral position, coming on as a super-sub to make a difference? If he scores in the 2026 World Cup, he'll be the first player to score in six separate World Cups. However, the reality is that much is left to Portugal's tactical formation and how the team develops over the next few years. Nevertheless, Ronaldo's arrival alone would be priceless.
Moreover, as both an on- and off-field leader, Ronaldo can potentially be an integral component in facilitating the next generation of Portuguese footballers to see their full potential. His influence, even if he is not the focal point anymore, would still be significant. Just like Milla was a father figure to the emerging Cameroonian stars, Ronaldo's value as a source of inspiration and guidance would be enormous. Even at the age of 41, his experience would be able to offer the kind of leadership only a player like him can provide.
Cristiano Ronaldo next game for Al Nassr is on March 14, against Al Kholood for the Saudi Pro League. You can watch Al Nassr vs Al Kholood, Eintracht vs Ajax, Athletic Bilbao vs AS Roma, Manchester United vs Real Sociedad, Tottenham vs AZ and Chelsea vs Copenhagen, all matches provided from our streaming live game pages.
Al Nassr next game:
Al Nassr vs Al Kholood kick-off time (14-03-2025):
Beijing (China) | UTC/GMT+7: 01:00
India (New Delhi) | UTC/GMT+4.30: 22:30
Saudi Arabia (Riyadh) | UTC/GMT+2: 20:00
Spain (Madrid) | UTC/GMT+1: 19:00
Portugal and England (Lisbon/London) | UTC/GMT+0: 18:00
Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) | UTC/GMT-3: 15:00
New York (United States) | UTC/GMT-4: 14:00
Los Angeles (United States) | UTC/GMT-7: 11:00
Sources: ronaldo7.net / britannica.com / fifa.com
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