Cristiano Ronaldo has insisted he does not need to win the FIFA World Cup to complete his silverware collection.
Ronaldo scored the 900th goal of his senior career on Thursday by netting for Portugal in a 2-1 win over Croatia in the opening game of their UEFA Nations League campaign
The 29-year-old led Portugal to victory in the first ever Nations League Finals back in 2019 – three years after his team were crowned European champions in 2016 in France.
But Ronaldo has never gone beyond the semi-finals at the World Cup, despite scoring in five consecutive tournaments.
He was part of the Portuguese side that finish fourth at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, but they then failed to progress further than the round of 16 at the next three editions before bowing out in the quarter-finals in Qatar in 2022.
The next World Cup, which is taking place in Canada, Mexico and the USA, starts in June 2026 – four months after Ronaldo’s 41st birthday.
It is currently unclear whether Ronaldo will still be playing for Portugal by then.
When asked about the World Cup after Thursday’s win over Croatia, Ronaldo likened the Euros to the World Cup.
“Portugal winning a Euros is equivalent to a World Cup,” he was quoted on Daily Mail. “I’ve already won two trophies for Portugal that I really wanted.”
Ronaldo added: “I’m not motivated by that. I’m motivated to enjoy football and records appear in a natural way.
“I don’t chase records, they’re the ones who chase me.”
Ronaldo – who has won 33 team trophies during his senior career – has spent much of his adult life being compared to Argentina captain Lionel Messi.
The former Barcelona star led his country to win the 2022 World Cup and two Copa America titles.
2 Comments
This is one of the two stars with good characters that have dominated the football space for decades.
Not these nowadays overhyped players of Nigeria calling themselves stars insulting elders and when their light are about to go off their fans come on to cry online without shame .
Crying racism foul when in your country racism is foundation in the name of tribalism and sentiment.
Ronaldo I respect you
You will retire a legend, record breaker just like Messi
Two stars with no drug issues like Maradona. Pure talents !!!!
Take a bow!!!!!
Great man you are Ronaldo no doubt the greatest goal scorer in history but please don’t compare the euro with the world cup ,the world cup is the ultimate title in world football