Ronaldo, 41, Eyes Final World Cup Glory
Cristiano Ronaldo is on course to become one of the oldest players ever to appear at a FIFA World Cup, with the 41-year-old Portugal captain confirming that this summer’s tournament in North America will be his sixth and final appearance on football’s grandest stage.
Ronaldo, who marked his 41st birthday on 5 February 2026, continues to play club football for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia and has repeatedly stated his intention to lead Portugal one final time at a World Cup. His participation would place him among a rare group of players whose careers have stretched across multiple decades and multiple tournaments.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will be the most expansive edition of the tournament in history, featuring 48 nations for the first time.
Should Ronaldo feature, he would rank as the second-oldest outfield player ever to appear at a World Cup, trailing only Cameroon’s legendary striker Roger Milla, who turned out for his country at the age of 42 during the 1994 tournament in the United States, scoring against Russia in a memorable late-career showing.
The record for oldest player at a World Cup belongs to Egyptian goalkeeper Essam El Hadary, who was 45 years old when he featured for Egypt against Saudi Arabia at the 2018 tournament in Russia. Colombian goalkeeper Faryd Mondragón holds third place, having appeared for his country at 43 years during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil against Japan.
Other notable names in this elite category include Northern Ireland goalkeeper Pat Jennings, who was 41 when he played against Brazil at the 1986 Mexico World Cup, and legendary England shot-stopper Peter Shilton, who featured at 40 years during the 1990 tournament in Italy. Italian great Dino Zoff also played in a World Cup final at 40, lifting the trophy against West Germany in 1982. Tunisia’s Ali Boumnijel was 40 during the 2006 World Cup in Germany, while Scotland’s Jim Leighton was 39 at the 1998 edition in France.
Ronaldo’s longevity is without parallel among outfield players in the modern era. He made his World Cup debut at the 2006 tournament in Germany and has since featured at every edition, representing a career arc that spans two decades of international football.
His presence at the 2026 tournament would not merely be symbolic. Ronaldo finished as one of Al-Nassr’s top performers in the Saudi Pro League this season and has maintained the intensive fitness regime that has defined his career.
Portugal, drawn into a competitive group, will look to the five-time Ballon d’Or winner not just for goals, but for the kind of experience and leadership that only a player of his standing can provide on the world stage.
Cristiano Ronaldo, 2026 FIFA World Cup, oldest World Cup players, Portugal, Al-Nassr, Essam El Hadary, Roger Milla, World Cup history, football records, North America World Cup