Cristiano Ronaldo has been backed to lead Portugal’s 2026 World Cup bid as Luis Figo insists he will always score goals when called upon.
Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo has not shown any signs of slowing down as he has continued to impress with Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr. Despite being 40 years old, Ronaldo has once again passed the 30-goal mark.
CR7 has also reached 219 caps and 136 goals for his country, with there no plans to slip into international retirement any time soon. Ronaldo is, as captain of Portugal, expected to grace the World Cup finals in 2026.
Figo can see the all-time great extending his career beyond that point, saying at an event in Madrid of his fellow countryman: “He could be a starter [at the World Cup]. Decisive… we have to wait and see. But Cristiano is an example for the whole world in terms of availability, professionalism, talent.
“And he will always score goals, I think even at 40, even at 42, he will always score goals. Now, whether they are decisive goals, I don’t know, we have to wait and see. For us Portuguese, let’s hope they are always decisive.”
Portugal are yet to qualify for the World Cup and if they secure qualification, Ronaldo is likely to make an appearance, a move that will see him make history by becoming the first player to grace a sixth World Cup finals.
Ronaldo has made it clear that he wants to reach 1,000 career goals before giving any thought to retirement, with a contract extension expected to be agreed at Al-Nassr.
