Ronaldo's age and Portugal's qualification path
Ronaldo turns 41 in February 2026. Portugal must navigate UEFA qualifiers starting March 2025 — likely without him in every match. Their group includes Bosnia-Herzegovina, Iceland, and Luxembourg, with the top two advancing automatically. Roberto Martínez has kept Ronaldo as captain despite his Saudi Pro League move, but younger forwards like Rafael Leão and João Félix are pushing for prominence.
Precedents for 40+ outfield players at World Cups
Only three outfield players have featured at 40+: Roger Milla (42 in 1994), Essam El-Hadary (45 in 2018), and Faryd Mondragón (43 in 2014). Milla scored for Cameroon against Russia. Ronaldo would need to replicate Zlatan Ibrahimović's late-career Serie A output at Al-Nassr to justify selection over Portugal's emerging talent.
Martínez's selection history with veterans
As Belgium coach, Martínez phased out Vincent Kompany and Mousa Dembélé post-2018 but kept Jan Vertonghen until age 35. His Portugal squad for March 2024 friendlies included 39-year-old Pepe, suggesting he values experience. Ronaldo's 10 goals in 2023 Euro qualifiers may earn him leeway, but 2025 Nations League performances could dictate his 2026 role.
Related coverage
Frequently asked questions
How many World Cups has Ronaldo played?+
Five: 2006 (semifinals), 2010 (round of 16), 2014 (group stage), 2018 (round of 16), and 2022 (quarterfinals). His 8 goals trail only Miroslav Klose (16) and Ronaldo Nazário (15) among active-era players.
Where would Ronaldo rank as oldest World Cup player?+
Second-oldest ever if he plays past February 5, 2026, behind Egypt's El-Hadary (45 years, 161 days in 2018). Colombia's Mondragón was 43 years, 3 days when he faced Japan in 2014.
Has Ronaldo confirmed retirement plans?+
No. After Portugal's 2022 World Cup exit, he stated 'I want to play at Euro 2024' but avoided 2026 commitments. His Al-Nassr contract runs until 2025 with an option year.
Which Portugal players could replace Ronaldo?+
Gonçalo Ramos (PSG), Rafael Leão (AC Milan), and João Félix (Barcelona) are primary candidates. Diogo Jota (Liverpool) and Pedro Neto (Wolves) offer wide alternatives. Portugal's U21s won the 2021 Euros with Fábio Vieira and Francisco Conceição emerging.
When will Portugal's 2026 squad be announced?+
FIFA requires final squads by mid-May 2026, though Martínez may name a provisional list earlier. Portugal's last pre-tournament friendly is scheduled for June 5, 2026, likely at Lisbon's Estádio da Luz.