Ronaldo’s Legacy: Aiming for World Cup Glory

As captain of the Portuguese national team, Cristiano Ronaldo has celebrated a European Championship victory and secured two UEFA Nations League titles. His illustrious career at the club level includes major accolades with Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and Al-Nassr.

At 40 years old, the seasoned athlete has yet to secure the most coveted prize in football, the World Cup. However, Ronaldo maintains that he does not feel the need to replicate Lionel Messi’s achievement of winning a World Cup with Argentina in 2022 to solidify his legacy.

While Ronaldo downplays the significance of World Cup success for his personal narrative, former Crystal Palace and Birmingham City striker, Morrison, suggests that the weight of this prestigious tournament still weighs heavily on Ronaldo’s mind. Speaking ahead of Portugal’s upcoming match in Dublin, Morrison commented on Ronaldo’s aspirations: “He will be concerned; Ronaldo strives to win everything. This is why he is considered one of the greatest of all time alongside Messi, and why the debate about who is the best continues. Both players are extraordinary talents we may never witness again in our lifetime.”

“Every player dreams of winning the World Cup, and Ronaldo is no exception. It could very well be a light-hearted comment, but winning the World Cup would likely be the crowning achievement in his already stellar career. Although it will be challenging for Portugal, given the competition, they possess an impressive roster, which gives them a fighting chance. Regardless of whether he wins the World Cup or not, Ronaldo’s status as one of the greatest players in football history remains unassailable.”

Ronaldo has made 225 appearances for Portugal, scoring 143 goals, and is nearing the milestone of 1,000 total goals for club and country, showcasing remarkable individual performance standards even at Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. Morrison acknowledged the uniqueness of these figures, stating, “We are unlikely to see such extraordinary numbers again; it’s unbelievable! Scoring 1,000 goals is a monumental achievement, as even reaching 50 goals is a significant feat.

“A substantial amount of credit goes to him for his dedication to training, both on and off the field. His commitment to maintaining peak physical condition at his age is commendable. That’s why he is considered one of the all-time greats. Young aspiring footballers should look up to Cristiano Ronaldo; he has experienced it all. He was an exceptional player when I faced him during his time at Manchester United, always exhibiting the traits of a true winner.”

Ronaldo has recently signed a two-year contract extension with Al-Nassr that will keep him at the club until the summer of 2027. While he acknowledges that retirement is approaching, he has not specified a timeline for when he will hang up his record-breaking boots, with many speculating that he may continue to play beyond the age of 42.