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Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti believes that Cristiano Ronaldo can play in any team in the world. The Portuguese legend has continued to excel despite being 40, and recently guided Portugal to UEFA Nations League glory.
Speaking in a press conference ahead of Brazil's crucial World Cup Qualifier clash with Paraguay on Tuesday (June 10), Ancelotti was asked if Ronaldo would have a place in his team. The former Real Madrid manager hailed the latter's commitment and professionalism, claiming that he could feature in any team in the world.
"Very happy for him and for the title he won. Cristiano Ronaldo remains a legend of football. With his age, it means that his seriousness and professionalism continue to the maximum. Obviously, Cristiano Ronaldo could play in any team in the world," Ancelotti said (via CNN Brasil).
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Cristiano Ronaldo has proven to be a vital figure in the Portuguese national team. He scored the winning goal in the side's 2-1 win over Germany in the Nations League semifinal. In the final, Ronaldo was on the scoresheet again, scoring Portugal's second goal to make the score 2-2. But he did not partake in the shootout win (5-3) after being forced out with an injury towards the end of regulation time.
At club level, the Portugal captain has also been in top form. Ronaldo registered an impressive 35 goals and four assists in 41 matches across competitions this season. His 25 goals in the Saudi Pro League also saw him finish as the league's top scorer for the season.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner will be gearing up to lead A Selecao to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which could be his last. Ronaldo is in the final month of his contract with Al-Nassr but is expected to pen a new deal with the Saudi club that will see him continue to play until the World Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo played under Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid for two seasons. In 101 games for the Italian manager, he recorded 112 goals and 47 assists. The duo notably guided Los Blancos to the Champions League title in 2014.
Pundit claims Cristiano Ronaldo will be a 'passenger' for Portugal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
ESPN pundit Steve Nicol has claimed that Cristiano Ronaldo would be a passenger if he is included in Portugal's starting line-up at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Nicol stated that Ronaldo, who will be 41 at the time, will not be physically fit enough to lead the line for his team.
Nicol said (on ESPN's YouTube Channel):
"I understand what eveyone is talking about, he only needs one chance... but if you are going to win the World Cup, you can't afford to carry somebody, even if he gets an opportunity to score. Let's just say that there is no question that there will be 3-4 players in that team that will be doing the extra running for Ronaldo which is fair enough because Argentina does it with Messi."
He added:
The problem is in a year's time, when you start getting up there in that late 30s and you hit 40, physically it goes very quickly. We saw that in his second game in 3-4 days, in the 80th minute, something gave in, that is only going to get worse between now and 2026 World Cup, I just don't see how he'll be physically fit enough to start for Portugal..... if Ronaldo starts at the World Cup, he'll be a passenger."
Cristiano Ronaldo will set the record as the player with the most FIFA World Cup edition appearances (six) should he feature at the tournament.
