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It is widely believed that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be Cristiano Ronaldo’s last, but what if it isn’t? A former Manchester United teammate thinks otherwise, in that it wouldn’t surprise him if Ronaldo was around well beyond not just the 2026 World Cup, but beyond.
An air of invincibility
Former England striker Teddy Sheringham suggested Ronaldo possessed the physical tools and mental motivation to continue playing until he was 50. Despite the intense demands of professional football, Sheringham believes the Al-Nassr striker’s meticulous approach to his fitness sets him apart from every other player in football history.
Talk to BOYLE Sportswho offers the latest World Cup odds, Sheringham said: “Could Cristiano Ronaldo play into his 50s at this rate? It wouldn’t surprise me when you look at his body at 41. He’s still as fit as a fiddle. He’s had his own training team for 15 years to keep him in tip-top shape and as long as he still has the desire he’ll keep going, but it’s hard when you get to that age, getting out of bed every days to go and do your training.”
The secret to longevity
(Another decade of Ronaldo? It’s not impossible. (AFP))
Ronaldo’s dedication to his craft is legendary, with restrictive diets, cryotherapy and a relentless training regime that allowed him to remain prolific into his forties. While most players retire in their mid-30s, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is currently preparing to lead his country as
Sheringham continued: “I’m sure he still loves what he does and he’s playing in a league that’s obviously not as strong as other competitions around the world, but if you’re still scoring goals and people still want you to play, then why not keep going. He’s got an air of invincibility about him, and he’s got the body and the fitness too, so I think we’ve got many more years of Ronaldo to come.”
No European return in sight
Despite his continued success in front of goal, Sheringham does not expect the former Real Madrid and Juventus star to return to Europe’s elite leagues. Having conquered the Champions League and domestic titles in England, Spain and Italy, the chapter of his European career seems definitively closed, even with the return of a familiar face in José Mourinho as Blancos coach.
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“Can I imagine Cristiano Ronaldo returning to Real Madrid to play under José Mourinho again? Certainly not. He will not return to Europe,” Sheringham insisted. Although fans dream of a romantic return to one of his former clubs, the financial and tactical realities of modern European football make such a move highly unlikely at this stage of his career.
A potential swan song in MLS
If Ronaldo decides to leave the Middle East before hanging up his boots for good, Sheringham predicts a move to the United States could be the next logical step. Joining Lionel Messi in MLS would be a huge boost for the sport in North America, and Sheringham believes the Portuguese legend would have no trouble dominating the league.
(Lionel Messi has already found success in MLS. Could Ronaldo be next? (Getty))
Sheringham added: “He could go to America if he wants to experience something else. You could see him, and he would definitely light up MLS like no one else. Maybe it all depends on what he wants to do once he finally retires.” For now, the focus remains on Saudi Pro League and World Cup glory, as Portugal begin their 2026 tournament against DR Congo in Group K on Wednesday. Even beyond this current chapter, the prospect of Ronaldo playing into his fifties is no longer considered impossible.
