Former Portugal defender Jose Fonte has hailed Cristiano Ronaldo as the greatest footballer of all time, citing his unmatched longevity and consistency at the highest level. The Euro 2016 champion also spoke about the profound impact Ronaldo had on his own career and expressed faith in Portugal’s prospects for the 2026 World Cup.

Fonte champions Ronaldo in the GOAT discussion

After being honoured by the Portuguese Football Federation upon his retirement, Fonte reaffirmed his belief that Cristiano Ronaldo stands above all others in football history. Having shared the pitch with Ronaldo for years in the Portugal national team and lifted the Euro 2016 trophy alongside him, Fonte praised the forward’s extraordinary capacity to maintain top-level performance season after season. According to him, Ronaldo’s enduring excellence and reliability make him unique among his peers.

Fonte reflects on Ronaldo’s enduring influence

The experienced defender emphasised that Ronaldo’s ability to sustain elite standards deep into his career is what truly distinguishes him in the ongoing debate over football’s all-time greats. Fonte elaborated on why he sees the Portuguese captain as the ultimate standard of footballing excellence.

“Cristiano is the ultimate example of longevity and consistency; at the highest level, there is no greater,” Fonte told O Jogo. “I learned so much from him—sharing ideas, experiences, and moments I had never encountered before. What he has done, continues to do, and will certainly keep doing, is truly admirable.”

Ronaldo remains vital to Portugal’s aspirations

Even in the twilight of his career, Ronaldo continues to play a central role for Portugal. Fonte voiced strong belief in the national team’s ability to compete on the global stage, stressing that the squad is full of confidence ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

He added, “Expectations are high, the players believe in themselves, and we are all backing them. They just need to begin strongly and maintain belief until the very end.”

Portugal eye World Cup glory

Ronaldo is expected to lead Portugal in the 2026 World Cup across North America, as he seeks the one major trophy missing from his glittering career—a World Cup championship. The Selecao will kick off their campaign against DR Congo on June 17 in Group K, followed by a clash with Uzbekistan on June 23, before concluding their group stage fixtures against Colombia later that month.

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