Cristiano Ronaldo to play 2030 home World Cup? Portugal head coach believes so
FIFA World Cup: Roberto Martinez has refused to rule out Cristiano Ronaldo playing at the 2030 World Cup. The remark underlines his extraordinary longevity and Portugal's continuing reliance on his experience, authority and leadership.
Portugal manager Roberto Martnez has refused to rule out the possibility of Cristiano Ronaldo featuring at the 2030 FIFA World Cup, when the Portuguese forward will be 45 years old. The comments come as Ronaldo prepares to lead Portugal in his sixth World Cup, this year in USA, Mexico and Canada.
The discussion around Ronaldo’s longevity adds to a wider debate about how elite athletes are redefining career spans in modern football through fitness, discipline and evolving sports science.
"No one should doubt that (he could play in 2030)," Martnez said during an appearance on Cadena SER radio, as quoted by Reuters. "He's earned it."
Ronaldo, who made his Portugal debut in 2003 at the age of 18, remains the national team’s most capped player with 226 appearances and its all-time leading scorer with 143 goals. He has been central to Portugal’s modern success, guiding them to the Euro 2016 title and a fourth-place finish at the 2006 World Cup — their best result in 40 years.
"I have worked with many players that have won a Champions League or a Ballon d'Or, and the next day they lose their appetite. What we have with Ronaldo is an example of a different mentality," he added. "I believe that having that goal is what allows for longevity. Of course, there is a genetic aspect, the work he puts in - he uses everything that can help his body - and his mentality."
He also became the first player to score in five different World Cups with a penalty against Ghana in Qatar in 2022. Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are both expected to feature in the 2026 World Cup, which would mark a record sixth appearance in the tournament.
DOOR OPEN FOR RONALDO
Portugal are set to compete in Group K at the expanded 48-team 2026 World Cup, opening their campaign against the Democratic Republic of Congo in Houston on June 17. While focus remains on the upcoming tournament, Martnez’s comments have already shifted attention toward what could be an unprecedented extension of Ronaldo’s international journey.
The idea of Ronaldo playing in 2030, a home World Cup would require him to maintain elite physical and competitive standards well into his mid-40s, something few footballers in history have achieved at the international level. However, Martnez’s backing highlights the forward’s extraordinary longevity and influence, as well as Portugal’s continued reliance on his experience and leadership.
Portugal manager Roberto Martnez has refused to rule out the possibility of Cristiano Ronaldo featuring at the 2030 FIFA World Cup, when the Portuguese forward will be 45 years old. The comments come as Ronaldo prepares to lead Portugal in his sixth World Cup, this year in USA, Mexico and Canada.
The discussion around Ronaldo’s longevity adds to a wider debate about how elite athletes are redefining career spans in modern football through fitness, discipline and evolving sports science.
"No one should doubt that (he could play in 2030)," Martnez said during an appearance on Cadena SER radio, as quoted by Reuters. "He's earned it."
Ronaldo, who made his Portugal debut in 2003 at the age of 18, remains the national team’s most capped player with 226 appearances and its all-time leading scorer with 143 goals. He has been central to Portugal’s modern success, guiding them to the Euro 2016 title and a fourth-place finish at the 2006 World Cup — their best result in 40 years.
"I have worked with many players that have won a Champions League or a Ballon d'Or, and the next day they lose their appetite. What we have with Ronaldo is an example of a different mentality," he added. "I believe that having that goal is what allows for longevity. Of course, there is a genetic aspect, the work he puts in - he uses everything that can help his body - and his mentality."
He also became the first player to score in five different World Cups with a penalty against Ghana in Qatar in 2022. Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are both expected to feature in the 2026 World Cup, which would mark a record sixth appearance in the tournament.
DOOR OPEN FOR RONALDO
Portugal are set to compete in Group K at the expanded 48-team 2026 World Cup, opening their campaign against the Democratic Republic of Congo in Houston on June 17. While focus remains on the upcoming tournament, Martnez’s comments have already shifted attention toward what could be an unprecedented extension of Ronaldo’s international journey.
The idea of Ronaldo playing in 2030, a home World Cup would require him to maintain elite physical and competitive standards well into his mid-40s, something few footballers in history have achieved at the international level. However, Martnez’s backing highlights the forward’s extraordinary longevity and influence, as well as Portugal’s continued reliance on his experience and leadership.
