Cristiano Ronaldo surprises the football world once again by declaring himself “very positive” and ready to tackle his sixth World Cup, a feat never before achieved by any footballer. At 41 years old, the Portuguese captain embarks on what could be the final great challenge of his career, determined to leave yet another indelible mark in the history of the national team.
The Portuguese squad departed from Lisbon on Friday en route to Palm Beach, Florida, where they will be based before the start of the World Cup. Portugal will make its debut on June 17 in Houston against the Democratic Republic of the Congo, followed by matches against Uzbekistan and Colombia in Group K. Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, shared with journalists his state of mind ahead of the tournament: “We are approaching this competition with a lot of hope,” he assured, adding: “The preparation has been very good, tiring, because we worked hard. I feel physically well.” The Al Nassr forward emphasized: “I am very positive, I believe that things will go well and that we will perform well.”
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In a squad filled with youth and emerging talent, Ronaldo did not hold back in praising his teammates: “It’s a very good generation… that will bring a lot of joy to the Portuguese people.” The captain also emphasized the importance of a strong start: “The most important thing is to start well, with the first game, then follow up with the second and the third… finish first in the group and from there, game by game.” This speech reveals not only ambition but also the experience of someone who knows that on the big stages, every detail matters.
The expectation surrounding the national team is enormous, especially after the victories in the two preparation matches against Chile and Nigeria, both by 2-1, even though Ronaldo did not score. Despite this, Portugal’s history in World Cups is modest: third place in 1966, with Eusébio shining, and a quarter-final appearance in the last tournament in Qatar, where the team fell to Morocco. Now, with Roberto Martínez at the helm and a squad filled with stars, many believe that Portugal can finally break the curse and reach the pinnacle of world football.
However, not everything is rosy. Doubts persist in some circles about whether Ronaldo’s presence might limit the fluidity and potential of a team that has players like Rafael Leão, João Félix, or Bruno Fernandes seeking the spotlight. The pressure is at its peak, and the debate is heated: is Ronaldo still indispensable, or does the team benefit more without the weight of his status? The forward seems unfazed by these voices: “I believe we will give a good response on the field and that our collective will make the difference,” he reiterated.
The next step for the Portuguese national team is clear: to defeat the Democratic Republic of the Congo and launch a bid for first place in the group, securing a theoretically more accessible path in the round of 16. For Ronaldo, this World Cup is more than a farewell; it is the opportunity to crown a legendary career with the only achievement that eludes him. Should Portugal reach the decisive stages, the captain’s influence both on and off the field could be crucial not only for the team but for the very history of Portuguese football.
The country is buzzing, the eyes of the world will be on Ronaldo and the golden generation that accompanies him, and the stakes have never been higher. The answer will come on the American pitches – and with Ronaldo in decisive mode, anything is possible.
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