Luis Figo confident in Cristiano Ronaldo's role for Portugal at 2026 World Cup

The Al-Nassr star is hoping to represent Selecao in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.

When asked about Cristiano Ronaldo’s ambitions of playing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, his compatriot Luis Figo gave an honest assessment.

Despite being 40, Cristiano Ronaldo is still the most prominent figure in Portugal’s attack. In his past two major competitions for the national team, the FIFA World Cup 2022 and Euro 2024, the Al-Nassr star has not played well.

Ronaldo, however, is still producing outstanding results for Al-Nassr, a Saudi Pro League team, having scored 32 goals and assisted on four more in 36 games this season in all competitions. The all-time leading scorer in international soccer also often scores goals for his nation.

However, there have been doubts whether the Selecao should select the forward for next year’s World Cup, given his age and ability to influence the game as a striker.

Ronaldo, who will be older than 41 at the time of the competition, hopes to represent Portugal in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Ronaldo’s presence slows down Portugal’s so-called golden generation, according to many supporters and experts.

But Luis Figo, a Portugese football legend, begs to differ. He praised Ronaldo’s work ethic and professionalism, believing that the Real Madrid legend would score goals at any age.

Speaking during an event in Madrid, Figo said:

”He could be a starter. Decisive… we have to wait and see. But Cristiano is an example for the whole world in terms of availability, professionalism, talent. And he will always score goals, I think even at 40, even at 42, he will always score goals. Now, whether they are decisive goals, I don’t know, we have to wait and see. For us Portuguese, let’s hope they are always decisive.”

When Luis Figo was the face of Portuguese soccer, Cristiano Ronaldo made his debut as a teenage sensation. Before Figo retired, Ronaldo wore the number 17 shirt. Shortly after Figo retired from international competition, he assumed the captaincy and number seven on his shirt.

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