Cristiano Ronaldo backed to continue playing for 'many years' by former Real Madrid and Portugal team-mate amid persistent retirement questions

Ronaldo has shown no signs of slowing down despite turning 40, continuing to deliver on the pitch with Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia. The forward has started the season strongly, scoring four goals in four league matches as his side maintains a perfect record. Ronaldo’s focus remains on winning the league and excelling in AFC competitions, with the club having bolstered their squad significantly in the summer.

The Portuguese star is also determined to feature at the 2026 World Cup, keeping him motivated and fit for international duty. While the debate over his longevity is ongoing, his consistent performances suggest he can continue at a high level. Former team-mates and rivals alike have spoken on Ronaldo’s unique ability to maintain elite performance despite his age.

Ronaldo’s career longevity has been highlighted by his incredible record-breaking feats, though he has denied chasing milestones like 1,000 career goals. He emphasises enjoying the moment over obsessing about statistics, focusing on victories and the collective success of his team. This mindset has contributed to his ability to stay competitive into his 40s, a rarity in modern football.

Pepe, who shared the pitch with Ronaldo for a decade with Real Madrid and Portugal, praised the Al-Nassr forward’s dedication and physical resilience. “When will he stop? No one really knows (smiles). Cristiano keeps breaking records and I’m really happy for him,” Pepe told beIN Sports.

The former centre-back added: “Beyond being a phenomenal player and an incredible person, he’s a friend, and I hope he can keep playing for many more years. I think it’ll be tough for us, the fans, when he decides to retire. It’ll be hard to turn on the TV and not see Cristiano’s name there.”

Pepe’s remarks underline not only Ronaldo’s ongoing influence on the pitch but also his lasting impact off it. Their shared history includes 348 matches together, with multiple Champions League titles and success with Portugal, including Euro 2016 and the 2019 UEFA Nations League. The pair’s relationship exemplifies mutual respect and the kind of longevity that is rare among professional footballers.

Ronaldo’s current form in Saudi Arabia continues to demonstrate his ability to perform at an elite level despite his age. Former Premier League rival Joe Cole has also predicted Ronaldo could play into his mid-40s, praising his physical fitness and adaptability in the Saudi Pro League. Cole highlighted that Ronaldo can still exploit his positional intelligence to score, even as the physical demands aren't as significant compared to top European leagues.

Al-Nassr’s investment in new talent has complemented Ronaldo’s leadership on the field, creating a competitive squad capable of domestic dominance and success in AFC tournaments. The club’s approach ensures Ronaldo remains central to the team’s ambitions while managing his workload to prolong his career. Off the field, Ronaldo remains focused on maintaining his health and conditioning, using a meticulous training regime and diet to ensure peak performance.

Ronaldo’s immediate objectives include leading Al-Nassr to domestic league glory and advancing in the AFC Champions League too. Internationally, he is focused on participating at the 2026 World Cup, which will serve as a significant milestone in extending his legendary career. Beyond that, both Pepe and football fans hope he continues to play at the highest level, keeping the legacy of one of football’s greatest icons alive for years to come.

Al-Nassr’s management will likely carry on structuring the squad to optimise Ronaldo’s output, balancing his workload while maximising team success. Meanwhile, Ronaldo himself will determine how long he feels capable of performing, with strong indications that he intends to play well into his 40s. For supporters worldwide, the hope remains that they can continue watching him break records and inspire on the field for many more seasons.