International press tips Benfica gem as Cristiano Ronaldo’s successor | OneFootball

With just over two months to go before the start of the World Cup, the debate over who should be Cristiano Ronaldo’s number two is still very much alive. While in Portugal the name on the table is Paulinho, abroad the figure drawing the most consensus is a Benfica prospect.

According to The Athletic, Anísio Cabral is seen as the ideal replacement to take over from the national team captain in the final minutes of matches at the 2026 World Cup. "One of the most promising forwards to come out of Benfica’s academy in recent years, Anísio is attracting attention," the same source writes.

"At the moment, he looks more like the Theo Walcott of 2006 than the Max Dowman of 2026, but he could be a surprise option to replace Cristiano Ronaldo in the closing minutes," The Athletic continued, suggesting that Benfica’s number 72 is the natural successor to CR7.

... joining Roberto Martínez’s squad for the World Cup - who could be replaced by Jorge Jesus. In addition, the same source highlights that the 18-year-old forward’s main weapon is his heading ability.

This season, playing for Benfica, Anísio Cabral - valued at €5 million - has already made five official appearances for the first team, all in Liga Portugal Betclic. In the 33 minutes he has spent on the pitch, the Portuguese player has scored two goals.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.