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Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot believes leading Portugal to ultimate glory at the 2026 World Cup would provide a fittingly beautiful finale to Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic career.
The versatile full-back stressed that the entire football world, not just their home country, will unite to support the veteran forward’s quest.
Defending heritage without pressure
Dalot has backed his compatriot Ronaldo to ensure a fairytale finish on the biggest international stage. The United full-back was named in Roberto Martinez’s first 27-man training squad, which temporarily includes a fourth goalkeeper in Genclerbirligi stopper Ricardo Velho. However, this provisional group will be shaved down to the final 26-man limit ahead of the official FIFA deadline of June 2.
Global football union is expected
In an insightful interview with CazéTVthe defender explained the romantic tale surrounding the legendary striker. “I think it’s not just a Portuguese union, I think it’s also a global union, a football union,” Dalot said.
“For everything Cristiano has done, not only for Portugal, but also for football itself, it would be beautiful for him to end his football career with a World Cup on his resume. If you ask me: does he need a World Cup to be considered one of the best ever? No, but I think it would bring more beauty to his career and of course it could be a beautiful trophy for him to have, without a doubt.
“I hope it happens because apart from wanting him to win, as a fan of his and as a football fan, I also wanted to know that for my country it would be an important trophy. To be part of it would be spectacular.”
Last dance for icons
The tournament marks a definitive changing of the guard, with both Ronaldo and Lionel Messi approaching their final global campaigns. Unlike his eternal rival, who already led Argentina to glory in Qatar four years ago, the 41-year-old Portuguese icon retains an intensely burning ambition to secure the elusive trophy. Ronaldo enters the competition with a unique international pedigree and holds the staggering all-time records for both international appearances and goals, having scored 143 times in 226 games for his country.
Miami preparations are taking shape
Portugal begin their training camp on June 1, tackling warm-up matches against Chile and Nigeria before traveling to their base in Miami. Martinez’s side face a difficult tactical opening test when they make their debut against DR Congo on 17 June. Group games against Uzbekistan and Colombia quickly follow, challenging the star-studded Selecao to confidently navigate their opening path as they aim for a deep run into the knockout stages.
