After winning a Euro Cup and two UEFA Nations League, Cristiano Ronaldo now takes on the last chance to win a World Cup. The striker and top scorer in the history of football, will compete in the 2026 World Cup as Portugal’s leading offensive reference.
But beyond their possibilities to obtain the precious cup, this last World Cup event has another detail that enhances their participation and that is age. The Portuguese star is 41 years old, a very curious figure for a footballer in World Cups, especially when it comes to forwards..
Read also: Exact Madrid players who will be in the 2026 World Cup and who will miss it
Although he was very close to the record, CR7 is not the oldest forward to play in a World Cup. This feat remains in the power of Cameroonian Roger Milla, who at 42 years and 39 days old, not only played, but scored a goal against Russia in the 1994 World Cup in the United States.
To adorn your mark through the ages, Cristiano Ronaldo must score at least one goal, which would give him a very difficult second place to overcometaking into account that they are attackers, one of the most demanding positions on the field.
Generally, the oldest players in the World Cups are the goalkeepers, since the position allows them to have less physical demand during the 90 minutes of each match, thus lengthening their professional careers.
The best examples are the Egyptian goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary, who played in the 2018 World Cup in Russia at forty five years and 161 days. In addition, Colombian goalkeeper Faryd Mondragón played in the 2014 Brazil edition at the age of 43 years and 3 days.
And what happens if Cristiano Ronaldo wins the World Cup?
In case Portugal wins the World Cup, and is one of the favorites due to its unswerving squad, Cristiano Ronaldo would reach a historical and absolute record: being the oldest footballer to win a World Cup.
He would surpass the Italian goalkeeper Dino Zoff, who won the 1982 World Cup in Spain, at 40 years, 4 months and 13 days. In addition, he was the captain of his team and CR7 is captain of Portugal.
But be careful, because That same record is pursued by two other footballers in the 2026 World Cup: the Croatian Luka Modric and the Mexican Guillermo “Memo” Ochoa. They are both 40 years old and, if they win the Cup, they would also leave Zoff’s record behind.
And be careful with a player that few have on the radar: Thiago Silva. The Brazilian defender is 41 years old, but he turned 41 in September 2025, while Cristiano in February of this year. This means that, if called up by Carlo Ancelotti, Thiago would be the oldest footballer in the edition.
Although his chances are minimal, Eder Militao’s injury opens up possibilities for Silva, who recently won with FC Porto in the Portuguese league.
You may be interested in:
· 2026 World Cup album: when will it go on sale in the US, cover prices and more
· African Cup: what does article 82 say that disqualified Senegal and gave champion to Morocco
· World Cup 2026: the 10 legends who will play their last World Cup
