While Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland stole the headlines on Tuesday, another football icon is preparing to take center stage.
At 41 years old, Cristiano Ronaldo is set to begin his sixth World Cup when Portugal opens its campaign against DR Congo, and according to Portugal manager Roberto Martínez, the legendary forward is approaching this tournament with the same excitement he had for his first World Cup two decades ago.
Martínez said Ronaldo’s intensity and enthusiasm in training have been remarkable, noting that the Portugal captain continues to set the standard for the squad despite already accomplishing virtually everything possible in football.
This World Cup represents another historic milestone for Ronaldo. He becomes one of the very few players ever to appear in six World Cups and enters the tournament still chasing the one major trophy missing from his résumé: a World Cup title.
What makes Ronaldo’s story even more incredible is that his selection is not viewed as a ceremonial farewell tour. Martínez has repeatedly defended his captain’s place in the squad, pointing to Ronaldo’s recent goal-scoring record and continued impact for both club and country. Since Martínez took over Portugal, Ronaldo has remained one of the team’s most productive players.
The timing couldn’t be better for football fans.
Just one day after Messi became the oldest player ever to score a World Cup hat trick, Ronaldo now gets his chance to respond. For years, fans dreamed of one final World Cup featuring both legends. Now, in 2026, they are both here once again, writing the final chapters of two of the greatest careers the sport has ever seen.
Portugal enters the tournament with one of its most talented squads ever, featuring stars such as Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Vitinha and Rúben Dias. Yet all eyes will still be on the man wearing No. 7.
Because every time Ronaldo steps onto a World Cup pitch now, football history is being made.
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