Cristiano Ronaldo has no plans to retire despite closing in on his 40th birthday.
Like NBA legend LeBron James, Ronaldo is aiming to play into his forties, with the Portuguese star reportedly negotiating a new deal with Al-Nassr worth over $204 million (£167.9m). The seasoned forward continues to find the back of the net for both club and country, possibly fueled by his desire to clinch football's ultimate prize: the World Cup.
Ronaldo was part of the Portugal squad that triumphed at Euro 2016, and his impressive tally of 135 goals stands as an international record. Under the guidance of manager Roberto Martinez, qualifying for the 2026 World Cup will likely be Ronaldo's final opportunity to make history and lift the coveted trophy.
In 2024, Ronaldo netted seven goals in 12 appearances for Portugal and remains a key player in the team. His Portuguese teammates are confident that he will continue to lead their attack next year and are determined to win the World Cup – which is in the United States, Canada and Mexico – to ensure his legendary career concludes on a high note, should he decide to hang up his boots in 2026.
Chelsea striker Joao Felix, who has been part of the national team since 2019, provided some insight into Ronaldo's immediate plans. Earlier this month, Felix was asked if he believed Ronaldo intended to participate in the 2026 World Cup, reports the Mirror.
"Yes, I think so. Everything suggests that he will," Felix shared with TNT Sports Mexico, adding: "He has this dream of winning the World Cup, and we are going to do everything possible to give him that prize, which I think is the only one he is missing."
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes, who has played alongside Ronaldo both internationally and at club level, admires his determination to succeed. The former Sporting CP midfielder expressed that securing Portugal's first-ever World Cup would be a monumental moment for the nation and an apt way to conclude Ronaldo's extraordinary career.
However, Fernandes didn't dismiss the possibility of Ronaldo extending his career even further. "I'm almost sure he will be there. And obviously, it would be nice if Cris went to the World Cup to make his dream of winning with the national team come 'true'," Fernandes told TNT Sports Mexico.
"Not only for him, but for all the Portuguese players who want to give that gift to our country. But obviously, as the ultimate reference for our football, it would be good for him to finish that way. Winning with the national team would be the best way. But I don't know if after winning the World Cup, he would finish or go on a little more. Because he always wants to improve.
"Every year Cris wants to do more, he wants to be better." He added: "For us the most important thing is to go to that World Cup in the best possible way to succeed. That is our dream. I know that for all of Cris' fans and for our entire country it would be something huge to end his time with the national team with two trophies."
Even though Ronaldo's achievements with Al-Nassr may not measure up to his Champions League victory at Manchester United or becoming Real Madrid's all-time top scorer, his former coach, Fernando Santos, remains a firm believer in Ronaldo's continued impact.
Now leading Azerbaijan, Santos, who managed Ronaldo for eight years, insists on the star's prowess: "Ronaldo? I've always expected him to be at a high level until late in life and I have no doubts that he will be at the 2026 World Cup," he told Abola, confident in Ronaldo's dedication. He added: "He will do his best to win another title for Portugal. Cristiano is the best player in the world."
