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  Cristiano Ronaldo has represented Portugal for over two decades, and he continues to perform impressively even as he approaches 40 years of age.
  
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  The renowned player from Al-Nassr has claimed victory in both the Euros and the UEFA Nations League for his nation yet has come up short in the World Cup.
  
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  The ex-Manchester United player stated he would relinquish his role if it ensures victory for Portugal.
  

Cristiano Ronaldo has acknowledged that he is prepared to play a supporting role if it helps Portugal secure victory.

In recent years, the Al-Nassr player has faced accusations for securing a place in the national team even though he is 40 years old.

After claiming victory at the 2016 European Championship, Ronaldo and Portugal have failed to meet expectations in various significant tournaments since then.

Is Ronaldo going to scale down his role?

Since 2003, Ronaldo has represented Portugal and currently boasts the record for the highest number of caps in international soccer history at 219 appearances. Additionally, he leads as the all-time top scorer with 136 goals.

Following their historic victory at the 2016 UEFA European Championship, they were unable to replicate this success in the 2021 and 2024 tournaments. In previous FIFA World Cups, they did not advance beyond the group stages in both 2018 and 2022; however, Cristiano Ronaldo aims to participate in the 2026 event.

In recent times, Portugal’s shortcomings have partially been attributed to Ronaldo. There are those who believe he has reached the end of his prime and should not be guaranteed a place in the lineup.

On paper, Portugal has one of the strongest teams, yet they haven’t lived up to expectations until now. Ronaldo is willing to play a supporting role.

If scoring isn’t essential as long as another teammate does it, then so be it. But if winning for Portugal means not being able to play, I’d rather step aside immediately, inform the coach, and sit out. I will protect this jersey with my life,” he stated through GOAL.

By the time the 2026 World Cup rolls around, Ronaldo will have turned 41. Will he be able to lead his nation to their inaugural World Cup victory? It’s worth noting that his primary competitor, Lionel Messi, secured the 2022 World Cup for Argentina.

Top responses to Ronaldo potentially competing in the 2026 World Cup

@Iewdawg:

It’ll be amusing to see Portugal trying to carry the 41-year-old Ronaldo through the 2026 World Cup as he simply doesn’t want to retire.

@pythaginboots:

Portugal has turned into a squad driven by political maneuvers, with placating the Ronaldo regime taking precedence over fairness and skill. The country must alter its selection process by 2026; otherwise, they risk facing disappointment once more. Roberto Martinez appears to be a figurehead, and he ought to establish his leadership.

@adriancaluf:

Watching Ronaldo lead the entire Portuguese team for ten years was amusing, but now people wonder why Portugal struggles without him.

@fawogyimiiko_:

Portugal will claim victory at the World Cup once they stop selecting Ronaldo for their team in 2026.

@BuscoPoder

Cristiano Ronaldo refuses to allow younger forwards such as Gonçalo Ramos to shine due to his delicate ego, whereas the young Argentine team has secured qualification for Messi at the 2026 World Cup.

Ronaldo responds to Hojlund

LIFEHACK.co.ke

Previously mentioned was the instance where Ronaldo reacted to Rasmus Hojlund performing the Siuu gesture in his presence.

The forward for Manchester United netted a goal for Denmark against Portugal and then executed the Siiu gesture in honor of his idol.