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Cristiano Ronaldo could play on until 2026 World Cup after setting insane Portugal target.
Cristiano Ronaldo has dropped hints that he might extend his playing career until the 2026 World Cup, setting an ambitious target for the Portugal national team.
In the earlier part of the year, Ronaldo achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first male player to reach 200 international appearances.
However, according to Portugal manager Roberto Martinez, the 38-year-old is now aiming to achieve 250 caps for his national team.
To reach this milestone, it is plausible that Ronaldo intends to participate in the 2026 World Cup finals, showcasing his dedication and desire to contribute to Portugal’s success on the international stage for an extended period of time.
“250 caps interests me”@Cristiano had a surprise for Roberto Martinez when he took over as Portugal coach. pic.twitter.com/PjxFAI9mP7
— Freddie Ljungberg (@freddie) December 22, 2023
In an interview with former Arsenal winger Freddie Ljungberg, Roberto Martinez, the Portugal manager, revealed a conversation he had with Cristiano Ronaldo after taking charge of the national team. Martinez shared, “He [Ronaldo] was very close to reaching 200 caps, something nobody has ever done before. I said [to Ronaldo], ‘Is 200 caps something that interests you or not?’ He said, ‘250 interests me.'”
With Ronaldo currently boasting 205 caps for Portugal, surpassing the previous record set by Kuwait’s Bader Al-Mutawa, and having scored a world record 128 international goals, achieving the 250-cap milestone is now on his radar.
To fulfill this target, it suggests that Ronaldo may aim to participate in the 2026 World Cup, extending his illustrious career and showcasing a strong commitment to representing Portugal at the highest level until the age of 41.
Despite being 38 years old, Ronaldo is on track to finish 2023 as the leading male goalscorer globally, with 53 goals for both club and country. With his enduring goal-scoring prowess, the idea of him competing in the next World Cup seems plausible, especially considering it’s the one major trophy that has eluded him thus far.