‘Sole aim is to beat records’ - Cristiano Ronaldo backed for 2026 World Cup Golden Boot bid as Portuguese GOAT emulates Lionel Messi in the energy stakes

The Portuguese GOAT is expected to grace his sixth World Cup finals next summer, as more history is made at international level by the all-time leading goalscorer in the men’s game - with the target being found for his country on 138 occasions through 221 appearances.

Ronaldo, with a Euros crown and two UEFA Nations League titles to his name, has never savoured global glory. He is determined to right that wrong before hanging up his boots, with a new two-year contract being signed at Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr.

A World Cup win would see him emulate eternal rival and fellow Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi, with CR7 already considered to be mimicking the iconic Argentine in the energy stakes - with the veteran frontman now more about end product than relentless running.

Ex-England striker Emile Heskey told BestBettingSites.co.uk when asked if Ronaldo can claim top scorer honours at the 2026 World Cup: “I wouldn’t put it past him. His sole aim is to beat records, and I think he’s got the ability and opportunity to do that again at the World Cup.

“You don’t see him running around crazy like he used to. Now, he just knows where to be in the box and the team work for that. They will put the ball in the area for him, so he can still do it. His movement in the box is still great, even if there isn’t much from him on the rest of the pitch.

“Right now, he needs to work on staying fit. He will know his body, and it’ll tell him when he’s doing too much. He will need a good relationship with his coach, so he pulls him out of games or sessions he doesn’t need to be in. It’s about managing his movement now, lasting the full 90 minutes.”

As he approaches the end of a remarkable playing career, Ronaldo has made it clear that he wants to reach 1,000 goals before calling it a day. International outings, alongside those at club level, will help to nudge him ever closer to hitting that target.