FOR 23 years, Cristiano Ronaldo has remained a steadfast presence in the Portugal national team.
As he prepares for his final World Cup, the team must begin planning for a future without their legendary captain.
Portugal has enjoyed the presence of a player of Ronaldo’s caliber for so long, witnessing his significant impact on the game.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner led them to victory at Euro 2016 and played a crucial role in their two Nations League wins.
His remarkable performance continues as he approaches his SIXTH World Cup this summer, matching the number of Euros he has participated in.
At 41 years old, Ronaldo has scored 143 goals in an impressive 228 matches since debuting for Portugal against Kazakhstan in August 2003.
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Significantly, three current international players were born after Ronaldo’s initial appearance.
Joao Neves of PSG is the youngest, born on September 27, 2004—just over a year following Ronaldo’s debut.
Neves has emerged as one of the top central midfielders globally, assisting PSG in winning consecutive Champions League titles.
His talent is indisputable, as he has already earned 21 caps since debuting in 2023 at the young age of 19.
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Another emerging Portuguese talent born after Ronaldo’s debut in 2003 is Mateus Fernandes.
The West Ham midfielder, linked with Manchester United, was born on July 10, 2004.
He earned his first cap in April when he stepped in for Red Devils captain Bruno Fernandes during a 2-0 victory over the United States.
Additionally, Benfica’s Antonio Silva was born on October 30, 2003, nearly two months after Ronaldo’s first match.
Silva has amassed 20 caps for Portugal but did not make the final 26-man squad for the World Cup.
Of the highlighted players, only Neves is part of Roberto Martinez’s squad heading to the US.
There is also another player in the World Cup team born just before Ronaldo’s debut in 2003.
Centre-back Renato Veiga was born on July 29, 2003, just shy of a month before Ronaldo’s debut.
Tomas Araujo (born May 16, 2002) and Nuno Mendes (born June 19, 2002) followed soon after.
The contrast between Ronaldo and these emerging players is significant, yet his experience and mentorship will be invaluable.
In spite of his illustrious career, Ronaldo maintains that no player on the team is more vital than another.
Neves remarked last year, “In the last interview, when asked about Cristiano Ronaldo, I said that on the pitch, we are all equal.
“No one is more important than the others; our collective aim is to win.”
PORTUGAL’S RISING STARS
Mateus Fernandes – born July 10, 2004
Joao Neves – born September 27, 2004
Renato Veiga – born July 29, 2003
Antonio Silva – born October 30, 2003
Tomas Araujo – born May 16, 2002
Nuno Mendes – born June 19, 2002
“For me, Cristiano is a role model for all players in Portugal, but he, just like me, must give his utmost,” Neves added.
Historically, Ronaldo had a somewhat reserved demeanor during Portugal camps, but he has recently made efforts to connect with younger members.
During the last World Cup in 2022, he reportedly treated his teammates to dinner and picked up the bill.
Martinez noted that the iconic forward “sets an example in all his actions,” explaining why he included a player in his 40s for the World Cup.
Ronaldo’s dedication to fitness and nutrition is widely acknowledged, motivating fellow players to excel.
Former Portugal player Jose Fonte shared that teammates were observing Ronaldo’s eating habits to achieve similar longevity and performance.
He stated in 2021: “We often look at what he’s eating and doing. He is the best, and we want to mirror his routine.”
“Generally, he maintains a healthy diet, focusing on nutritious options like quinoa, various types of eggs, and sweet potatoes,” he added.
Ronaldo has expressed a preference for leading by example rather than giving advice, yet he cautions younger players about the importance of hard work.
For aspiring players wanting to emulate his longevity, he emphasizes the importance of preparation.
In a 2022 interview with Piers Morgan, he stated: “I don’t tend to give advice; I prefer to show it through my actions.
“I consistently arrive first and leave last. The details matter.”
“In my time, many players excelled well into their late 30s and early 40s.
“I believe this new generation may witness fewer examples of that due to a more relaxed approach to training.”
World Cup 2026 – all the details
LET’S GET THIS PARTY STARTED!
This World Cup is revolutionary, featuring a record 48 nations vying for the ultimate accolade in football.
England manager Thomas Tuchel is eager to finally bring football home after a 60-year wait.
Nonetheless, football legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have their own plans in what may be their last World Cup.
SunSport has compiled all the essential details for this landmark tournament.
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