Cristiano Ronaldo could extend his career until age 45 and compete at the 2030 World Cup in Portugal, according to his former Manchester United team-mate Eric Djemba-Djemba. The Al-Nassr forward has drawn praise for his longevity and continued excellence, scoring 30 goals in 37 appearances this season while leading his Saudi club to the domestic league title.
Djemba-Djemba, who trained alongside Ronaldo during their Old Trafford days, is convinced the five-time Ballon d'Or winner possesses the mental fortitude and physical conditioning to reach the next World Cup finals. "I genuinely believe Cristiano Ronaldo can play until 44 or 45 years old," the former midfielder told BetVictor. "I am not surprised at all by what he is doing because I knew him when he was 17 years old." Djemba-Djemba highlighted Ronaldo's exceptional drive as the key factor, recalling how the Portuguese star always demanded more from himself even after training sessions concluded.
Father-Son Dream at Portugal's Home World Cup
The tournament's co-hosting by Portugal adds romantic appeal to Ronaldo's potential appearance. More intriguingly, his eldest son Cristiano Jr, aged 15, is developing as a midfielder in the Al-Nassr academy and has already scored for Portugal's U-16 side. Djemba-Djemba envisions a historic scenario: "It would be the perfect ending to his career and an incredible moment for Portuguese football. And imagine if Cristiano Jr is there as well. That would be unbelievable."
While acknowledging that matching his father's elite level would prove extremely difficult, Djemba-Djemba recognises the narrative power of a father-son partnership on football's grandest stage. The younger Ronaldo has attracted interest from major European academies, including Real Madrid, though he remains focused on his development alongside his father in the Saudi Pro League for now.
At 41, Ronaldo shows minimal signs of physical decline and continues to operate at world-class standards. Whether the shared professional dream materialises in Saudi Arabia or at the 2030 World Cup, the five-time Champions League winner appears determined to sustain his career until his son reaches the threshold of elite competition.
