Ronaldo’s Last Chance at World Cup Glory

Oliveira collaborated closely with the Portuguese captain during the qualification phase for the 2010 World Cup, observing early on the competitive mentality that would define Ronaldo’s illustrious career. At 25, Ronaldo was already showcasing the drive that would later earn him five Champions League titles and a European Championship, among numerous domestic honors.

Despite his extensive trophy cabinet, the World Cup remains the one accolade that has eluded Ronaldo throughout his nearly flawless career. As he approaches 40, he prepares for what may be his final opportunity to lift the coveted trophy at next year’s tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Ronaldo has expressed a strong desire to complete his collection of silverware.

The upcoming tournament will mark Ronaldo’s sixth World Cup, and the Al-Nassr forward continues to perform at an exceptional level during qualifying. He recently set a new record as the all-time leading scorer in World Cup qualifiers and has played a pivotal role in securing Portugal’s place in the tournament with games still to spare.

Ronaldo’s sustained success is a testament to his relentless mindset, and Oliveira believes that the legendary number seven remains hungry for more. Asked by GiveMeSport about Ronaldo’s impressive performance at 40, Oliveira noted, “Because he’s still starving. He’s still hungry.” He added that Ronaldo’s unyielding mentality could inspire the Portuguese national team, suggesting that his final World Cup could serve as a remarkable conclusion to his international career.

Portugal is expected to field one of the strongest squads in the competition, with significant depth across all positions. Oliveira is optimistic, asserting, “I think we have a generation that has to fight for the competition. We are one of the top five national teams that will fight to win the title.”

In addition to his World Cup aspirations, Ronaldo is also pursuing a monumental milestone: reaching 1,000 career goals. This target is one he is unlikely to abandon, and even as he ages, the striker has adeptly adapted his playing style to maximize his lethal abilities.

Ronaldo’s evolution throughout his career began as a nimble winger at Sporting CP, where he emerged as the best player in the world during his time at Manchester United, leveraging his raw pace and skill to enhance his finishing abilities. At Real Madrid, he typically operated from the left side of the attack alongside stars like Karim Benzema, Gareth Bale, and Angel Di Maria, showcasing his ability to score from challenging positions and earning the Ballon d’Or three consecutive times from 2015 to 2017.

As he aged, Ronaldo transitioned into a more traditional center-forward role, relying on his shooting accuracy and aerial strength as he lost some pace. His stints at Juventus, Manchester United, and Al-Nassr have continued to yield goals and records as he remains a prominent figure in football.

The World Cup is the final piece of the puzzle that Ronaldo seeks to complete. While he has occasionally downplayed his desperation to win the tournament, it is evident that he will do everything in his power to lift the trophy next year. Portugal has two World Cup qualifiers against the Republic of Ireland and Armenia approaching next week, as the nation aims to showcase its credentials on the global stage.