Cristiano Ronaldo, the football legend, is showing no signs of slowing down as he sets his sights on the 2026 World Cup, aiming to make his mark on the world stage once again. The Portuguese forward, who made a dramatic exit from Manchester United earlier this year to join Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, has reportedly expressed his intention to extend his contract with the Saudi side until early 2027, according to sources from Spanish outlet Cadena COPE.
At 38 years old, Ronaldo remains as determined as ever to achieve his World Cup dreams. Despite participating in five previous World Cups since his debut in Germany in 2006, he has not been able to surpass Portugal’s semi-final appearance in that tournament. With a staggering 201 caps and 123 goals for Portugal under his belt, Ronaldo has left an indelible mark on the international stage, helping his country secure victory in the 2016 European Championship. However, the coveted World Cup glory has eluded him thus far, setting the stage for a compelling rivalry with his long-time counterpart, Lionel Messi.
When asked about the prospect of winning a World Cup and whether it would cement his status as the greatest of all time (GOAT), Ronaldo responded, “Even if I win the World Cup, that debate will continue. Some people like me more, some less. It’s like in life, some prefer blondes, some brunettes. I have always had to prove myself year after year. I would love to win this tournament. I’m ambitious, but if you tell me I won’t win any more tournaments, I would still be happy given all I have won. In the history books, all other records will be there. But obviously, a World Cup on the shelf wouldn’t be bad. It would be a dream.”
Ronaldo’s performance since joining Al-Nassr has been nothing short of spectacular. He has scored ten goals in just eight appearances in the Saudi Pro League and added his first Asian Champions League goal to his impressive tally.
Notably, Ronaldo’s journey to the 2026 World Cup includes overcoming past disappointments. During the previous World Cup, he was dropped from the starting XI by then-Portugal manager Fernando Santos, with Goncalo Ramos preferred in his place. The heartbreak of Portugal’s unexpected exit at the hands of Morocco left Ronaldo in tears. However, with Santos no longer at the helm, Ronaldo has made a triumphant return to the national team, starting five out of the six games under the new manager, Roberto Martinez.
As the football world eagerly anticipates the 2026 World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo’s unwavering determination to secure the elusive trophy promises to be one of the most compelling storylines of the tournament. Whether he can add this crowning achievement to his illustrious career remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Ronaldo’s passion for the game and his pursuit of excellence continue to captivate fans around the globe.