''Cristiano Ronaldo will start a special diet to participate in the 2030 World Cup,'' former Portugal teammate Nani

Portugal will host the competition along with Spain and Morocco.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s former Manchester United teammate Nani has backed the striker to represent Portugal in the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The event is set to be hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco.

Nani revealed that Ronaldo will start a special diet that will keep him fit until the 2030 World Cup and allow him to take part in the competition.

Ronaldo who is currently 39 is playing for the Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr. The player has so far not hinted towards retirement. He might be fit enough to play for the Selecao in the 2026 World Cup but it remains to be seen what actually happens.

However, by then he will be 41 and it will also depend on the decision of the manager if he will be willing to select the five-time Ballon d’Or winner for the competition at that age.

Furthermore, for the 2030 World Cup, he will be 45. If he does participate then he could tie the record of the oldest player to play in the competition. It is currently held by Essam El-Hadary of Egypt. His former compatriot feels Ronaldo can play in the 2030 World Cup. Nani said:

“Will Cristiano play in the 2030 World Cup? I have no doubts, he will. Cristiano Ronaldo will start a special diet to participate in the 2030 World Cup in Portugal.”

Ronaldo has so far participated in five World Cups and has not gotten his hands on any of them. The striker last time came close to winning the competition when Portugal reached the semi-final of the 2006 World Cup. But they were eliminated by France in the game.

Since then Portugal have failed to advance further in the tournament, while Ronaldo’s long-time rival Lionel Messi has won the competition in 2022.

It will be challenging to see the former Real Madrid player feature in the 2030 World Cup. However, chances might be there for him to play in the 2026 tournament, where he might have a last shot to finally win the trophy.

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