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Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot believes leading Portugal to ultimate glory at the 2026 World Cup would provide a beautiful end to Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic career.
The versatile full-back emphasized that the entire football world, not just his home country, will come together to support the search for the veteran striker.
Defend the legacy without pressure
Dalot has backed his compatriot Ronaldo to ensure a fairytale ending on the grandest international stage. The United full-back was included in Roberto Martínez’s initial 27-man training squad, which temporarily includes a fourth goalkeeper – Genclerbirligi stopper Ricardo Velho. However, this preliminary group will be reduced to the final 26-man limit before FIFA’s official submission deadline on June 2.
A global football union is expected
In a revealing interview with Cazé TVThe defender explained the romantic narrative surrounding the legendary striker. “I think it’s not just a Portuguese union, I think it’s also a global union, a football union,” Dalot said.
“For everything Cristiano has done, not only for Portugal, but also for football itself, it would be beautiful for him to end his football career with a World Cup on his resume. If you ask me: does he need a World Cup to be considered one of the best of all time? No, but I think it would bring more beauty to his career and obviously it could be a beautiful trophy for him, without a doubt.”
“I hope that happens, because in addition to wanting him to win, as a fan and as a football fan, I would also know that for my country it would be an important trophy. To be part of that would be spectacular.”
Last dance for icons
The tournament marks a definitive changing of the guard, with Ronaldo and Lionel Messi approaching their final global campaigns. Unlike his eternal rival, who already led Argentina to glory in Qatar four years ago, the 41-year-old Portuguese icon retains an intense and burning ambition to secure the elusive trophy. Ronaldo enters the competition with an unparalleled international pedigree, holding astonishing all-time records for both international appearances and goals, having scored 143 goals in 226 games for his country.
Miami preparations take shape
Portugal will begin training camp on June 1, facing warm-up matches against Chile and Nigeria before traveling to their base in Miami. Martínez’s team faces a difficult tactical opening test when they open against the Democratic Republic of the Congo on June 17. Group stage clashes against Uzbekistan and Colombia quickly follow, challenging the star-studded Selecao to navigate their initial path with confidence as they aim for a deep run to the knockout stages.
