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Cristiano Ronaldo has won almost everything football has to offer, but he has always treated his body as his most important trophy. That has not changed, as the Portugal captain will compete in his sixth FIFA World Cup.
Ronaldo, 41, reaffirmed that on Friday afternoon when he was asked about Reporters reprimanded about his fitness for this year’s World Cup. He dismissed any doubts about his physical condition, pointing to his recent performances in their warm-up victories against Chile and Nigeria as evidence.
“Physically? I’m fine,” Ronaldo said. “Haven’t you seen my games?”
Even as Ronaldo plays into his 40s, his production hasn’t diminished. During the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League season with Al-Nassr, he recorded 28 goals and two assists on 161 shots in 30 games.
Ronaldo now looks to carry that success and momentum to Portugal into the World Cup, as he shifts his focus to the Tournament. Speaking to reporters, he also said that he was satisfied with the team’s preparation for the tournament.
“It’s been good, but exhausting because we’ve worked hard,” Ronaldo said. “We’ve had the advantage in our matches, but the most important thing is when the ball starts rolling on the 17th, in the first match, and then when the pressure really starts to increase, that’s when we will see the real champions.”
For Ronaldo, the focus now shifts from preparation to performance.
Even at 41, he remains as important as ever to Portugal’s championship ambitions. As the team looks to build on a solid preparation, this tournament represents the last chance for its captain to win his first World Cup.
