Portugal national team coach Roberto Martínez has suggested that Cristiano Ronaldo could still be playing in the 2030 FIFA World Cup, according to reports from Portuguese media on May 29, 2026. Ronaldo, who will turn 41 in February 2027, would be 45 years old by the time the tournament begins.
Martínez made the comments during a press conference ahead of Portugal's friendly matches, stating that Ronaldo's dedication and physical condition could allow him to compete at the highest level for several more years. The coach emphasized that Ronaldo's professionalism and fitness are exceptional, noting that the forward continues to break records.
Ronaldo currently plays for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia and has scored over 130 goals for Portugal, making him the all-time leading international scorer in men's football. He has participated in five World Cups (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022) and has not ruled out playing in a sixth.
The 2030 World Cup will be co-hosted by Morocco, Portugal, and Spain, marking the first time the tournament is held across three continents. If Ronaldo plays, he would become the oldest player in World Cup history, surpassing the current record held by Egypt's Essam El-Hadary, who played at 45 years old in 2018.
