Cristiano Ronaldo could be in the 2030 World Cup, according to former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen. Ronaldo, 41, is set to feature as a frontman for Portugal in the 2026 World Cup hosted by USA, Mexico and Canada.
The Al-Nassr superstar began his international career in 2006, and has earned 226 caps and 143 goals to win the European Championship (2016) and UEFA Nations League (2025). To Meulensteen, age is just a number for Ronaldo. With Portugal set to co-host the 2030 finals alongside Spain and Morocco, the Seleção may be tempted play one more time for a chance to win the one title he does not have under his belt – yet. And it would be special to do so in front of the home crowd.
“You look at him, he’s 41, but obviously he’s biologically probably early thirties. It’s a bit of a case where the mind goes, the rest will follow. So there’s no doubt about the fact that he looks after himself in the best possible way,” Meulensteen who worked with Ronaldo in his first spell at United, told GOAL.
“But I think if he stays injury free and he keeps fresh, obviously you have to wait and see what is happening with Portugal because he would possibly be the oldest player at the World Cup. It will definitely play in the back of his mind, especially with the World Cup being co-hosted by Portugal, Spain, Morocco. That’s not too far!” Meulensteen added.
Egypt goalkeeper Essam El Hadary is currently the oldest man to play in the World Cup at the age of 45, a feat he achieved in 2018. This could inspire Ronaldo to return to the world’s biggest football tournament in 2030.
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