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Cristiano Ronaldo has won just about everything football has to offer, but he has always treated his body as his most important trophy. That hasn’t changed as the Portugal captain now begins his sixth FIFA World Cup.
Ronaldo, 41, reiterated this on Friday afternoon, when asked Journalists reprimanded on his fitness for this year’s World Cup. He dispelled any doubts about his fitness, citing his recent performances in warm-up wins over Chile and Nigeria as proof.
“Physically? I’m fine,” Ronaldo said. “You haven’t seen my matches?”
Even though Ronaldo is playing in his early 40s, his production has not slowed down. During the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League season with Al-Nassr, he recorded 28 goals and two assists on 161 shots in 30 matches.
Ronaldo now looks to carry that success and momentum to Portugal through to the World Cup, as he focuses on the Tournament. Speaking to reporters, he also expressed satisfaction with the team’s preparation ahead of the tournament.
“It’s been good but it’s tiring because we’ve been working hard,” Ronaldo said. “We had the upper hand in our matches, but what matters most is when the ball starts rolling on the 17th, in the first match, and then when the pressure really starts to build, that’s when we will see the real champions.”
For Ronaldo, the focus now shifts from preparation to performance.
Even at 41, he remains as important as ever to Portugal’s championship ambitions. As the team looks to build on solid preparation, this tournament represents the last chance for its captain to win his first World Cup.
