Cristiano Ronaldo: The Everlasting Superstar Eyeing More Glory

omidbasir- Cristiano Ronaldo shows no signs of slowing down as he nears his 41st birthday. The prolific forward has signed a contract with Saudi Pro League team Al-Nassr, which is set to last until 2027.

In the Middle East, he continues to pursue significant honors and aims for a third consecutive Golden Boot, with no immediate plans for retirement. Ronaldo is also set to captain Portugal at the upcoming World Cup finals, bringing his tally to an impressive 226 caps and 143 international goals—a record that continues to grow. Some speculate that he may even play until the 2030 World Cup, which will take place in his native country.

While this may seem ambitious, Teddy Sheringham, who played into his 40s in the Premier League, believes Ronaldo can extend his career beyond another lucrative contract extension in Riyadh. Speaking to GOAL in association with Mr Q, Sheringham stated, “I do. It’s all about keeping yourself fit and healthy, staying away from injuries. He’s got a proper body; he’s like a machine that looks after him on the football pitch. He is playing in a league where it won’t be so hard on him week in, week out. I can see him playing for a good few years yet. I think he might go to 44.”

As a significant stakeholder in Al-Nassr, Ronaldo may choose to remain in Saudi Arabia. However, there are speculations about a potential new challenge in 2027, possibly a return to Sporting, his original club.

Fans worldwide are also eager to see Ronaldo and his longtime rival, Lionel Messi, play together before their careers conclude. When asked if Ronaldo might return to Europe or join Messi at Inter Miami, Sheringham remarked, “I don’t think so [return to Europe]. I think he would do it in America, without a doubt. He might wait until he is 44 or 45 before he goes.”

Another former Manchester United star, Brazilian World Cup winner Kleberson, expressed excitement at the idea of Ronaldo and Messi teaming up, saying, “Wow, imagine that happening; America is going to go crazy! They are going to sell everything to have those two guys together. In one locker room—Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and maybe Neymar. It’s a dream team!”

Currently, Ronaldo is focused on securing trophies with Al-Nassr and moving closer to reaching 1,000 competitive goals. Sheringham, a former striker, finds such numbers astonishing. He commented on the rarity of achieving such milestones in the modern game, stating, “I don’t think we will. Not in this modern game where people get looked after; people get rested, get left out, rotations and all that. I certainly wasn’t happy about it as a player; that rotation situation. I definitely know Ronaldo won’t want that either. While you are young, you want to be playing football. He won’t be happy with that.”

Moreover, Ronaldo has been cautioned that maintaining exceptional individual standards will be crucial to securing a starting position with Portugal, as national team coach Roberto Martinez is prepared to make difficult selection decisions. Nevertheless, Ronaldo will have the opportunity to lead the team as captain and remains determined to match the achievements of Argentine icon Messi in securing a global title.