Cristiano Ronaldo Eyes 2030 World Cup as Portugal Prepares to Co-Host

Cristiano Ronaldo, currently 41 years old, is participating in his sixth FIFA World Cup and may have the stamina to compete in the 2030 tournament, according to Louis Saha. Ronaldo has reportedly run the equivalent of “1,000 marathons” during his career, demonstrating remarkable endurance.

Portugal is set to co-host the 2030 World Cup alongside Spain and Morocco, with expectations that Ronaldo could be part of the event. Whether he will continue to play and potentially break records remains uncertain.

Ronaldo’s recent achievements include winning the Saudi Pro League title with Al-Nassr in the 2025-26 season and securing several Golden Boots in the Middle East. His current contract still has 12 months remaining, with the possibility of an extension in Riyadh as he pursues further individual milestones.

Among Ronaldo’s goals are reaching 1,000 competitive career goals and playing alongside his eldest son, Cristiano Jr. Continuing his career would enable him to achieve these objectives while maintaining his status as the most-capped and highest-scoring player in men’s international football. He has committed to representing Portugal whenever called upon.

There is speculation about Ronaldo’s participation in the 2028 European Championship and the 2030 World Cup, especially since the latter will be hosted partly in his home country. Despite “last dance” rumors from his sister, Ronaldo has not revealed his long-term plans.

Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, has consistently defied expectations throughout his career. At the 2026 World Cup, he continues to face questions about his longevity, which may motivate him further.

Louis Saha, Ronaldo’s former Manchester United teammate, commented on his enduring physical condition in an interview with GOAL via Freebets.com. Saha stated, “At some point he has to stop because he's clearly a human. But yes, he's playing like a robot.”

Saha highlighted Ronaldo’s exceptional mental and physical qualities, contrasting them with those of Lionel Messi. He noted that Messi adapts his playstyle to conserve energy, relying on teammates, whereas Ronaldo insists on his fitness and ability to perform independently. Saha said, “Cristiano doesn't ask. He doesn't ask for help. He's saying, ‘I'm fit enough, I'm as good, I am like 35 years old, so I'm going to score with your support or not’. So this is really a big mentality that I respect.”

He added, “You look at his stats - run nine-and-a-half or 10 or 11km. This is crazy numbers. He may have run 1,000 marathons now! It's crazy.”

Throughout his career, Ronaldo has maintained peak physical condition, playing for clubs including Sporting, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and currently Al-Nassr. He has amassed numerous major honors, though World Cup victory remains absent from his achievements.

Portugal will face Spain in the last-16 of the 2026 World Cup, a challenging fixture that could influence Ronaldo’s decision to continue playing into his mid-40s and aim for the 2030 World Cup.