Cristiano Ronaldo may not be finished with international football after this summer's World Cup in North America. Former Manchester United assistant René Meulensteen, who worked alongside the Portuguese icon during his first spell at Old Trafford, believes the 41-year-old could be tempted to extend his career for another four years if Portugal co-hosts the 2030 finals alongside Spain and Morocco.
Ronaldo remains in extraordinary physical condition despite his age. Meulensteen praised the Al-Nassr forward's dedication, noting that biologically he appears to be in his early thirties. "Health permitting, if he stays injury free and keeps fresh, it's definitely something that could interest him," the former coach told GOAL. The prospect of playing at a World Cup on home soil holds obvious appeal—a chance to compete for the trophy that has eluded him throughout his storied career while his rival Lionel Messi claimed the 2022 crown.
Record-Breaking Timeline
Should Ronaldo participate in 2030, he would be chasing a remarkable milestone. Essam El Hadary currently holds the record as the oldest player in World Cup history, appearing for Egypt's goalkeeping position in 2018 at age 45 years and 161 days. Ronaldo would be 45 at the 2030 tournament, putting him within striking distance of that benchmark.
The Portuguese legend has already rewritten the history books numerous times. With 226 international caps and 143 goals, he is preparing to appear at a sixth World Cup this summer—an unprecedented achievement. While he has captured European Championship and UEFA Nations League titles as Portugal's captain, the World Cup remains the missing piece in his collection.
What Drives the Decision
Former international teammate Nuno Gomes suggested that only Ronaldo himself knows whether he'll extend beyond 2026. "He's doing it year by year at this age," Gomes told talkSPORT. The veteran striker's speed has naturally diminished, yet his finishing—football's most critical skill—remains elite. His continued goal-scoring prowess keeps him relevant even as physical demands increase with age.
There's another intriguing possibility: Meulensteen mentioned that Ronaldo recently appeared on Al-Nassr's team sheet alongside his son, hinting at a potential father-son partnership. Whether that dream compels him to play beyond 2026 remains uncertain. For now, his focus is on winning silverware with the Saudi Pro League leaders while pursuing World Cup glory on North American soil this summer.
