Ronaldo’s sixth World Cup: How Al Nassr star defied critics to lead Portugal in 2026

The sixth and presumably final World Cup appearance for Cristiano Ronaldo will mark a significant milestone, as the Portuguese icon prepares for the tournament for the first time since relocating his career to Saudi Arabia.

The forward’s transition to the Middle East in late 2022 sent ripples through the sporting world, sparking intense debate regarding whether his competitive edge would diminish away from the elite tiers of European football. However, Ronaldo, who celebrated his 41st birthday in February, has consistently refuted suggestions of a decline. His prolific scoring record for both Al Nassr and the Portuguese national team serves as a testament to his enduring quality.

Portugal manager Roberto Martínez affirmed that the veteran striker remains as driven as ever, noting that he has seen no evidence of stagnation since the move.

“He keeps performing, and he keeps showing his value, and he keeps showing that (he) is important for the national team,” Martínez said. “To have that hunger when you've won everything in the game is quite remarkable. And that's without getting away from the fact that to be in the national team you need to be somebody that can help the team now and not with what you've done in the past.”

A Career of Unprecedented Milestones

Both Ronaldo and his long-standing contemporary Lionel Messi are poised to become the first players to participate in six World Cup tournaments. Ronaldo currently holds the world record for the most international appearances (226) and goals (143) in men's football. He additionally stands alone as the only male player to score in five separate World Cup editions.

“Even though he's the captain, even though probably he's achieved what no other player in world football has achieved, which is the number of games for the national team, over 225 appearances, just with that number is a uniqueness about what he brings, but I think he has the same demands as any other player in the national team,” Martínez added.

Ronaldo’s departure from Manchester United for a reported $200 million annual salary was framed by the player as a "new challenge" aimed at evolving the global perception of Saudi Arabian football. While critics and pundits suggested the move was a de facto retirement from top-flight competition, Ronaldo has staunchly defended the technical level of the Saudi Pro League, even ranking it above the top divisions in France and Portugal.

“I don't need to speak because they can say whatever they want, but the numbers don't lie,” Ronaldo told interviewer Piers Morgan last year. “They've never been here, they've never played here ... For me it's (easier) to score in Spain than score in Saudi (league).”

Consistent International Impact

The relocation has not hindered his international output. Ronaldo has netted 25 goals in his last 30 appearances for Portugal. Although he did not find the net during the 2024 European Championship, he was instrumental in Portugal’s 2025 Nations League triumph, scoring eight times during the tournament, including a crucial goal in the final against Spain.

His physical resilience remains a focal point of his career. Despite a brief hamstring setback in February, he recovered to score his 100th Saudi Pro League goal in just his 105th appearance on May 7. His teammate at both the club and international level, João Félix, highlighted the motivational impact of Ronaldo’s work ethic.

“All the efforts (Cristiano) makes and what he does on the pitch, which he has experienced more than all of us together, which he puts in every day and every game, is unique,” Félix said earlier this year. “And that we see him, at 40 years old, doing what he does, only gives us more motivation.”

Statistical Dominance in Saudi Arabia

Ronaldo's tenure in Riyadh has been defined by record-breaking statistics:

• 2022-23 Season: 14 goals in 16 appearances.
• 2023-24 Season: A league-record 35 goals in 31 games.
• 2024-25 Season: 25 goals in 30 matches.
• Current Season: 26 goals in 29 matches, trailing Al Ahli’s Ivan Toney by five goals.

While Ronaldo has confirmed this World Cup will be his final pursuit of the trophy, he has remained elusive regarding his eventual retirement date. Martínez indicated that predicting the forward’s future is a futile exercise.

"It's difficult for me to say, because obviously I've learned very quickly not to predict the future with Cristiano, just because he's got this elite brain about being the best that he can be today," Martínez explained. "And I'm thinking if you ask him, he'll tell you the same. He doesn't make plans."

With inputs from AP