Ex-Portugal manager backs Cristiano Ronaldo to play in 2026 FIFA World Cup

Ronaldo could lead the Selecao in the upcoming World Cup.

Fernando Santos, the former manager of Portugal, has supported Cristiano Ronaldo to represent his nation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Ronaldo is still playing well for his club and country at the age of 39 and will hope to lead the national team to the World Cup if he remains fit until then.

He continues to lead Portugal and is producing outstanding results. The friendship between Ronaldo and coach Santos was questioned during the FIFA World Cup in 2022.

The renowned forward was unexpectedly benched by Santos in Portugal’s knockout matches. The Selecao were eliminated by Morocco in the quarterfinals. This resulted in Santos facing massive backlash for benching the former Real Madrid star. However, Santos was all praise for Ronaldo during the 110th anniversary of the Portuguese Football Federation:

”No surprise there, I always expected him to be at a high level until late in his career. I have no doubt that he will be at the World Cup and will give his all so that Portugal can win another title. Cristiano is the best player in the world, full stop.”

Fernando Santos:“Cristiano Ronaldo is the best player in the world” pic.twitter.com/IHAPISON3g

— Al Nassr Zone (@TheNassrZone) January 13, 2025

Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly respected the decision to sit out Portugal’s 2022 FIFA World Cup knockout matches, according to Santos. He stated on Egyptian Channel 1:

”Cristiano Ronaldo is a great player, and my relationship with him has been good since 2004, before I coached the national team. Ronaldo sitting on the bench [at the Qatar World Cup] when I was Portugal coach was a vision that Cristiano respected, and we still communicate.”

In 2024–25, Cristiano Ronaldo has been in strong form for Al-Nassr, scoring 17 goals and dishing out three assists in 20 appearances across all competitions. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is expected to play for Portugal in the 2026 FIFA World Cup if he continues to fire goals left and right.

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