Ronaldo at 41: the last challenge?

At 41, Cristiano Ronaldo is preparing to play a new 2026 World Cup match this Thursday against Croatia, a physical feat which questions as much as it impresses. The Portugal captain was fielded by his coach in all matches in the group stage of this 2026 World Cup. On the pitch, however, his appearances were marked by tangible signs of decline: reduced running speed and less influence in the game compared to his legendary standards.

These elements have fueled a recurring discussion about the real capacity of a player of this age to perform at this level. This situation creates a gap between the statue of the monument and the player's reality. “Seeing Ronaldo struggle is a shock,” we can read in the columns of Libération Sport, summarizing a form of nostalgia and debate among supporters and observers.