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Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot believes leading Portugal to ultimate glory at the 2026 World Cup would be a great finale to Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic career.
The versatile full-back stressed that the entire football world, not just his home country, would come together to support the veteran striker’s quest.
Defend the legacy without pressure
Dalot has backed his compatriot Ronaldo to ensure a fairytale ending on the biggest international stage. The United full-back has been named in Roberto Martinez’s initial 27-man squad, which temporarily includes a fourth goalkeeper, Genclerbirligi keeper Ricardo Velho. However, this preliminary group will be reduced to the final limit of 26 players before FIFA’s official submission deadline on June 2.
The World Football Union is expected
In an insightful interview with CazéTVthe defender explained the romantic narrative surrounding the legendary striker. “I think it’s not just a Portuguese union, I think it’s also a global union, a football union,” Dalot said.
“For everything Cristiano has done, not only for Portugal, but also for football itself, it would be beautiful for him to end his football career with a World Cup on his CV. If you ask me: does he need a World Cup to be considered one of the best of all time? No, but I think it would bring more beauty to his career and it could obviously be a nice trophy for him, without a doubt.
“I hope it happens, because as well as wanting him to win, as a fan and a football fan, I also know that for my country it would be an important trophy. To be part of it would be spectacular.”
Last dance for the icons
The tournament marks a definitive changing of the guard, as Ronaldo and Lionel Messi approach their final global campaigns. Unlike his eternal rival, who already guided Argentina to glory in Qatar four years ago, the 41-year-old Portuguese icon retains a burning and intense ambition to win the elusive trophy. Ronaldo enters the competition with an unprecedented international pedigree, holding the all-time records for international appearances and goals, having scored 143 times in 226 matches for his country.
Preparations in Miami take shape
Portugal begin their training camp on June 1, playing warm-up matches against Chile and Nigeria before traveling to their base in Miami. Martinez’s side face a tricky tactical opening test when they make their debut against DR Congo on June 17. Group stage clashes against Uzbekistan and Colombia quickly follow, challenging the Seleçao to follow their initial path safely as they aim for a deep run to the knockout stages.
