Cristiano Ronaldo has been selected to represent Portugal in what will be his unprecedented sixth FIFA World Cup, further cementing his status as one of football’s all-time greats. At 41 years old, the veteran forward remains a vital figure for his national team as they prepare for the upcoming tournament scheduled to take place across the United States, Mexico, and Canada next month.
This announcement comes as part of the preliminary squad revealed by Portugal’s coach Roberto Martínez, with FIFA set to officially confirm all final team rosters on June 2. Ronaldo’s inclusion highlights his enduring fitness and skill, allowing him to extend a remarkable international career that began nearly two decades ago.
Ronaldo’s World Cup journey started in 2006, a tournament where he played a key role in guiding Portugal to the semi-finals for the first time in 40 years. Despite a loss to France in the semis and a subsequent defeat to Germany in the third-place playoff, that campaign marked a significant milestone for both the player and his country.
Throughout his World Cup tenure, Ronaldo has appeared in 22 matches, placing him fifth on the all-time appearance list for the tournament. He has also scored eight goals, showcasing his consistent offensive threat. Notably, during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, he made history by becoming the first player ever to score in five separate World Cup tournaments, a testament to his longevity and elite performance on football’s biggest stage.
