Cristiano Ronaldo set for sixth World Cup amid debate over Saudi form | OneFootball

Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, will contest a sixth and likely final World Cup next month, his first since leaving Europe for Saudi Arabia in late 2022. According to Sports.ndtv.com, he keeps scoring for Al Nassr and Portugal and rejects claims his level has dropped.

Portugal coach Roberto Martínez says Ronaldo is as driven as ever and has not slowed since moving to Saudi Arabia. He stresses selection is about what players contribute now, not past deeds.

Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are set to reach six World Cups. Ronaldo holds the international records with 226 caps and 143 goals, and is the only man to score in five World Cups.

He left Manchester United mid 2022-23 for a reported $200m a year. Critics called it semi-retirement, yet he has praised the Saudi Pro League, arguing it is stronger than the French and Portuguese competitions and pointing to the demands of 40C heat.

For Portugal he has 25 goals in his last 30 games. He went goalless at Euro 2024, and in 2025 helped win the Nations League, scoring in the final against Spain.

After a February hamstring issue he quickly returned, and on 7 May reached 100 Saudi Pro League goals in 105 league appearances, while Al Nassr chase a first title since 2019. He hit 14 in 16 in 2022-23, then a record 35 in 31 the next season.

Ronaldo says this will definitely be his last World Cup bid, but his playing horizon is unclear. Martínez avoids predictions, saying Ronaldo focuses on the present and does not make plans.

Source: Sports.ndtv.com