Luis Figo backs Cristiano Ronaldo to lead Portugal's 2026 World Cup bid as he insists CR7 'will always score goals, even at 42!'

Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo has passed his 40th birthday. He is showing no sign of slowing down at Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, with the 30-goal mark being passed again this season.

CR7 has also reached 219 caps and 136 goals for his country, with there no plans to slip into international retirement any time soon. Ronaldo is, as captain of Portugal, expected to grace the World Cup finals in 2026.

Figo can see the all-time great extending his career beyond that point, saying at an event in Madrid of his fellow countryman: “He could be a starter [at the World Cup]. Decisive... we have to wait and see. But Cristiano is an example for the whole world in terms of availability, professionalism, talent.

“And he will always score goals, I think even at 40, even at 42, he will always score goals. Now, whether they are decisive goals, I don’t know, we have to wait and see. For us Portuguese, let’s hope they are always decisive.”

If Portugal secure qualification and Ronaldo remains part of their plans, then he will make history by becoming the first player to grace a sixth World Cup finals. There is every reason to believe that more records will be broken before illustrious boots are hung up.

Ronaldo has made it clear that he wants to reach 1,000 career goals before giving any thought to retirement, with a contract extension expected to be agreed at Al-Nassr that will take him through to at least the summer of 2026.