Cristiano Ronaldo, now 41, is playing in his sixth FIFA World Cup and may be strong enough to take part in the 2030 tournament, according to Luis Saha. Ronaldo reportedly ran the equivalent of “1,000 marathons” during his career, demonstrating remarkable endurance.
Portugal is set to co-host the 2030 World Cup along with Spain and Morocco, and it is expected that Ronaldo could take part in the event. Whether he will continue to play and potentially break records remains unclear.
Ronaldo’s recent achievements include winning the Saudi Pro League with Al Nasr in the 2025/26 season and winning several Golden Boots in the Middle East. His current contract still runs for 12 months, with the possibility of an extension in Riyadh as he makes further individual strides.
Ronaldo’s goals include reaching 1,000 goals in a competitive career and playing alongside his eldest son, Cristiano Jr. Continuing his career will allow him to achieve these goals while maintaining his status as the most prolific and prolific player in men’s international football. He has made a commitment to represent Portugal whenever he is called upon.
There are rumors about Ronaldo’s participation in the 2028 European Championship and the 2030 World Cup, especially since the latter will be partially held in his home country. Despite rumors of a “last dance” from his sister, Ronaldo has not revealed his long-term plans.
Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, has consistently defied expectations throughout his career. At the 2026 World Cup, he continues to face questions about his longevity, which could motivate him even more.
Louis Saha, Ronaldo’s former Manchester United teammate, commented on his poor physical condition in an interview with GOAL via Freebets.com. Saha stated: “At some point he will have to stop because he is clearly human. But yes, he plays like a robot.”
Saha emphasized Ronaldo’s exceptional mental and physical qualities, contrasting them with those of Lionel Messi. He noted that Messi adapts his playing style to conserve energy by relying on teammates, while Ronaldo insists on his fitness and ability to perform independently. Saha said: “Cristiano doesn’t ask. He doesn’t ask for help. He says: ‘I’m fit enough, I’m fit, I’m about 35 years old, so I’ll score with your support or not.’ So that’s a really big mentality that I respect.”
He added: “You look at his stats – he’s done nine and a half, 10 or 11km. Those are crazy numbers. He’s probably done 1,000 marathons now! It’s crazy.”
Ronaldo has maintained excellent physical fitness throughout his career, playing for clubs such as Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and currently Al Nasr. He has won many major awards, although winning the World Championship is still not one of his achievements.
Portugal will face Spain in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup. It’s a tough matchup that could influence Ronaldo’s decision to continue playing until he’s 40 and aim for the 2030 World Cup.