Cristiano Ronaldo Ready to ‘Cash In’ Like Lionel Messi With World Cup Win
Portuguese GOAT Tipped to Extend ‘Unbelievable’ Career Through to 2034 Finals
When Cristiano Ronaldo steps onto the pitch, age seems to melt away. At 40 years old, most footballers have long since hung up their boots, often turning to coaching, punditry, or simply enjoying retirement. Not Cristiano Ronaldo. The Al-Nassr forward is reportedly eyeing yet another chapter in his legendary career—possibly extending all the way to the 2034 FIFA World Cup. It’s a notion that once sounded absurd. Now? It’s starting to sound inevitable.
What Happened?
With the 2026 World Cup approaching, Cristiano Ronaldo looks set to play in his sixth global tournament, matching the elite few who have achieved such longevity in the sport. But insiders and former pros believe he might not stop there. Like his eternal rival Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo could be ready to “cash in” with a crowning achievement late in his career: a World Cup triumph.
While Messi claimed the ultimate prize with Argentina in Qatar in 2022, Cristiano Ronaldo could still have his moment on the grandest stage. Portugal, rich with talent and depth, remain contenders. Their victory over Germany in the UEFA Nations League semi-finals was a showcase of grit, class—and yes, Cristiano Ronaldo’s enduring influence.
The Bigger Picture: More Than Just Numbers
By the end of that match, Cristiano Ronaldo had reached an astonishing 220 caps and 137 international goals. The numbers themselves are mind-boggling. But it’s the consistency and longevity that truly set him apart. Since moving to Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, Cristiano Ronaldo has largely flown under the radar of European fans, but make no mistake—he’s still doing the business.
And that’s exactly what former Germany striker and World Cup winner Jurgen Klinsmann pointed out during an ESPN segment:
“He is still ready to cash in, maybe next summer at the World Cup with his Portugal team—which is a very exceptional side.”
Klinsmann emphasized that Cristiano Ronaldo remains effective, even if he’s not in the prime physical condition of his 20s. The Portugal coaching staff have crafted a system that supports his strengths and covers any decline in pace.
What Jurgen Klinsmann Said
“If he can deliver his work to the team, then there is no doubt about it that he can still play on—that he can play this summer and next year’s World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico,” said Klinsmann. “This is just simply incredible.”
It’s worth noting Klinsmann’s comparison to Messi. Like Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo’s game has evolved. No longer a winger sprinting down the flanks, he’s now a more calculated finisher. And while the Argentine bowed out of Europe to win trophies with Inter Miami, Cristiano Ronaldo is doing the same in Riyadh—with little interest in slowing down.
Did You Know?
Former Norway international and longtime Premier League striker Jan Åge Fjørtoft added even more weight to the argument. He praised both Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal’s coaching setup:
“Yes, you could see on the bench that they got even better when new players came on the pitch. But, hello, he has scored 137 goals—one, three, seven! When I grew up, 37 goals for your country was sensational, and this guy has 220 caps!”
The stats are difficult to comprehend. Cristiano Ronaldo’s output isn’t just a relic of past glories; he remains productive. If his form continues, he might well be on the pitch when Portugal co-hosts the 2030 World Cup.
What Next for Cristiano Ronaldo?
While a run to the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia may seem far-fetched—Ronaldo would be 49—it’s not completely off the table. After all, this is a man who’s already broken nearly every record in sight.
He’s also made no secret of his desire to play alongside his son, Cristiano Jr., who recently made his international debut with Portugal’s U15 side. It’s a touching goal—one that would make for an extraordinary chapter in football history.
Portugal’s road ahead is filled with promise. The current squad is deep, technically gifted, and full of energy. Youngsters like Joao Neves, Antonio Silva, and Gonçalo Ramos are blending well with veterans. If anyone can be the guiding light in that blend of youth and experience, it’s Cristiano Ronaldo.
A Parallel Path: Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo
Let’s take a moment to appreciate the symmetry between the two greatest footballers of our generation. Messi triumphed at the 2022 World Cup—an emotional capstone to his illustrious career. Cristiano Ronaldo, ever the competitor, may be lining up his final masterpiece.
But unlike Messi, whose game thrives on creativity and vision, Cristiano Ronaldo’s longevity is based on something else entirely: discipline. Endless training sessions, a military-like diet, and a near-obsessive drive to remain the best have kept him in peak condition. His teammates in Saudi Arabia often mention how he trains harder than anyone on the squad—despite being the oldest.
This commitment is not just for show. It’s the foundation of an unmatched career.
Cashing In With A Legacy
If Cristiano Ronaldo lifts the World Cup trophy in 2026—or even 2030—it won’t just be another feather in his cap. It would be a poetic endgame for a player who has done it all: multiple Ballon d’Ors, Champions League triumphs, league titles in England, Spain, and Italy, and a European Championship in 2016.
Winning the World Cup would elevate his GOAT status to an even higher plane—something that even Messi’s most loyal supporters would have to acknowledge. It’s not just about adding trophies; it’s about reaffirming a legacy that spans generations.
Final Thoughts: How Long Can He Keep Going?
We’ve learned never to bet against Cristiano Ronaldo. Every time critics suggest he’s past his best, he scores a hat-trick. Every time fans think he’s finished, he redefines what’s possible.
He may not be the flying winger of Manchester United or the goal machine of Real Madrid, but he’s adapted, matured, and evolved. And with Portugal entering a golden generation of talent, the supporting cast around him could be exactly what he needs to add that elusive World Cup to his collection.
Ronaldo isn’t just playing to win. He’s playing to etch his name into the game’s eternal memory. Whether that takes him to 2026, 2030, or even 2034, only time will tell. But one thing is certain: Cristiano Ronaldo isn’t done yet. Not by a long shot.
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