This is the best chance for Ronaldo to win the World Cup. The timing just feels so right. Diogo Costa league champion with Porto, Nuno Mendes, Vitinha, G Ramos, Joao Neves all champions with PSG, Felix and Ronaldo league champions, Bruno Fernandes 21 assist winner, a whole lot of them are in form of their life.
At 41, this is likely his final World Cup, but unlike previous tournaments where Portugal often relied heavily on him, this is the most complete Portugal squad weโve seen in years. They have world-class quality in every area of the pitch: Diogo Costa in goal, Rรบben Dias leading the defense, Nuno Mendes dominating the left flank, and a midfield built around Vitinha, Joao Neves, and Bruno Fernandes.
Whatโs different this time is that Ronaldo doesnโt have to carry the entire nation on his shoulders. Portugal can control games through midfield, create chances from multiple sources, and defend at an elite level. Ronaldo can focus on doing what he still does best scoring goals and delivering in big moments.
Football doesnโt always reward great stories, but if there was ever a World Cup where Cristiano Ronaldo could complete the one missing chapter of his career, this feels like it. A balanced squad, experienced leaders, players entering their prime, and a legend getting one last shot at immortality.
If Portugal finally wins the World Cup in 2026, it would be one of the greatest endings to a football career the sport has ever seen. ๐ต๐น๐ God let the stars align.