Cristiano Ronaldo may be in the final phase of his illustrious football journey, but his former Portugal teammate Hugo Almeida believes that even at 41, the legendary forward continues to be a decisive force. As the Selecao gear up for the 2026 World Cup, hopes are high that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner might finally lift the one major trophy missing from his cabinet.

‘He will be in top condition’

As the 2026 World Cup draws nearer, questions about Ronaldo’s age and durability remain a major talking point. Yet, Almeida, who represented Portugal alongside Ronaldo during the 2010 and 2014 editions of the tournament, maintains that the Al-Nassr striker is still capable of leading the line effectively when the competition takes place in North America.

In a conversation with Lusa, Almeida brushed aside doubts about the veteran’s physical readiness. He said, “Age is not an issue. Today, many players at 39, 40, or even 41 are still performing at a very high level. Ronaldo keeps improving his preparation year after year. The World Cup is the only title missing from his career, and it’s something he has been striving for. I believe he will be in excellent form by then.”

Adapting his game on the world stage

Although Ronaldo’s trademark speed and explosiveness from his Manchester United and early Real Madrid days have evolved into a more strategic style, Almeida feels that his understanding of the game remains second to none. The former Werder Bremen forward acknowledged that supporters must adapt their expectations, while still valuing the enduring brilliance of Portugal’s all-time great. Almeida sees Ronaldo’s vast experience as an invaluable advantage for Roberto Martinez’s squad as they prepare to face DR Congo, Uzbekistan, and Colombia in Group K.

“Of course, we can’t expect the same level of freedom and energy we saw when he was 20 or 30, but he’s still extremely experienced, one of the best ever, and continues to make the difference every single time,” Almeida remarked.

Portugal among the top challengers

Almeida places Portugal among the world’s elite, alongside nations like France, Spain, Germany, Brazil, and reigning world champions Argentina. He believes the depth and quality at Martinez’s disposal make Portugal genuine contenders for their first World Cup title, provided the players stay fit and fresh.

“Expectations are very high. Our players are performing at top clubs around the world and are frequently nominated for the best player awards, which naturally brings added responsibility,” Almeida said. “Portugal are definitely among the favourites, though other teams are very strong too. Success will depend on the condition of the players when the tournament begins — both physically and mentally. After a long club season, freshness in the body and mind is essential.”

Backing Martinez’s tactical approach

The composition of Portugal’s squad has also sparked discussion, especially with Goncalo Ramos offering a different style compared to Ronaldo. However, Almeida is confident that coach Roberto Martinez and his staff have built a well-balanced team capable of supporting their captain while staying competitive against a variety of opponents.

“The coach knows exactly what he wants and has been preparing for this competition for quite some time,” Almeida concluded. “He selected players who give him the most confidence, which is key. He might have chosen a more traditional centre-forward, but Portugal rarely play with one. Goncalo Ramos has performed well, and Ronaldo can change the outcome of a match in an instant.”