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Cristiano Ronaldo has won almost everything football has to offer, but he has always treated his body as his most important trophy. That has not changed as Portugal’s captain now heads into his sixth FIFA World Cup.
Ronaldo, 41, confirmed it on Friday afternoon when asked by Offended journalists about his fitness for this year’s WC. Dispelling any doubts about his fitness, he pointed to his recent performances in warm-up wins against Chile and Nigeria as evidence.
“Physically? I feel good,” Ronaldo said. “Haven’t you seen my matches?”
Even when Ronaldo is playing in his early 40s, his production has not slowed down. During the 2025–26 Saudi Pro League season with Al-Nassr, he recorded 28 goals and two assists on 161 shots across 30 matches.
Ronaldo now looks to bring that success and momentum to Portugal into the World Cup as he shifts his focus to the tournament. Speaking to reporters, he also said that he has been satisfied with the team’s preparation heading into the tournament.
“It has been good but tiring because we have worked hard,” Ronaldo said. “We’ve had the upper hand in our games but the most important thing is when the ball starts rolling on the 17th in the first game and then when the pressure really starts to mount – that’s when we’ll see the true champions.”
For Ronaldo, the focus now shifts from preparation to performance.
Even at 41, he remains as important as ever to Portugal’s championship ambitions. As the team looks to build on a strong build-up, this tournament represents their captain’s last chance to capture his first World Cup.
