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The 2026 FIFA World Cup is believed to be Cristiano Ronaldo’s last, but what if it wasn’t? An ex-Manchester United team-mate thinks otherwise, to the extent that it wouldn’t surprise him if Ronaldo featured well beyond not just 2026’s World Cup, but beyond.
An air of invincibility
Former England striker Teddy Sheringham has suggested that Ronaldo possesses the physical tools and mental drive to continue playing until he turns 50. Despite the intense demands of professional football, Sheringham believes the Al-Nassr striker’s meticulous approach to his fitness sets him apart from any other player in the history of the game.
speaks to BOYLE Sportswho offers the latest World Cup odds, Sheringham said: “Could Cristiano Ronaldo play into his 50s at this rate? It wouldn’t surprise me when you look at his body at 41. He’s still as fit as a player. He’s had his own training team for the last 15 years to keep him in tip-top shape and as long as he still wants to, but when you get out of it, he’ll get out of bed every day to go and exercise.”
The secret to longevity
(Another decade with Ronaldo? It’s not impossible. (AFP))
Ronaldo’s dedication to his craft is legendary, featuring restrictive diets, cryotherapy and a relentless training schedule that has allowed him to remain productive well into his 40s. While most players retire in their mid-30s, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is currently poised to lead his country as
Sheringham continued: “I’m sure he still loves what he’s doing and he’s playing in a league that’s obviously not as strong as other tournaments around the world, but if you’re still scoring goals and people still want you to play, why not keep going. He’s got an air of invincibility about him and he’s got the body as well and the fitness, so I think Ronald has many years left.”
No European comeback on the cards
Despite his continued success in front of goal, Sheringham does not expect the former Real Madrid and Juventus star to return to Europe’s elite leagues. After capturing the Champions League and domestic titles in England, Spain and Italy, the chapter on his European career appears to be permanently closed, even with the return of a familiar face in Jose Mourinho as Los Blancos manager.
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“Can I see Cristiano Ronaldo coming back to Real Madrid to play under Jose Mourinho again? Absolutely not. He’s not coming back to Europe,” insisted Sheringham. While fans might dream of a romantic return to one of his former clubs, the financial and tactical realities of modern European football make such a move highly unlikely at this stage of his career.
A potential MLS swan song
If Ronaldo decides to leave the Middle East before finally hanging up his boots, Sheringham predicts a move to the United States could be the next logical step. Joining Lionel Messi in MLS would be a massive boost for the sport in North America and Sheringham believes the Portuguese legend would have no problem dominating the league.
(Lionel Messi has already found success in MLS. Could Ronaldo be next? (Getty))
Sheringham added: “He can go to America though if he wants to experience something different. You could see it and he would definitely light up MLS like no one else can. Maybe it will all come down to what he wants to do when he finally retires.” For now, the focus remains on Saudi Pro League and World Cup glory as Portugal begin their 2026 tournament on Wednesday against DR Congo in Group K. Even beyond this current chapter, the prospect of Ronaldo playing into his 50s is no longer dismissed as impossible.
