Chasing History, Leading Portugal, and Defining Football Longevity – Azat TV

Portugal’s World Cup Ambitions: Ronaldo’s Final Chapter?

When Nani, a Portuguese football legend in his own right, speaks about his national team, there’s a sense of earned optimism. In an exclusive conversation with Covers, Nani didn’t hesitate to tap Portugal as a team to watch at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He sees his home country ready to make waves across North America, a region hosting the world’s most anticipated football event. The odds-makers agree, with Portugal installed as co-No. 6 favorites at +1100. But beyond statistics and predictions, there’s a deeper narrative at play: Cristiano Ronaldo, now forty, stands on the precipice of what could be his last dance on the global stage.

Ronaldo’s presence in the qualification rounds has been nothing short of impactful, with five goals to his name already. Yet, as Nani points out, “you cannot evaluate from the qualification because the players and national teams play differently.” The real test—and the real spectacle—begins when the World Cup kicks off. Nani believes Ronaldo’s performance will rise to the occasion, stating, “If he can play and win, that will be the perfect end to his career.”

But can one man carry a nation? Nani, with 112 caps for Portugal, knows that collective effort is essential. “He needs the team to help…His presence on the field is very important to help the team have the confidence to perform.” The chemistry, focus, and unity of Portugal’s squad will be just as crucial as Ronaldo’s individual brilliance.

Ronaldo’s Enduring Passion: Defying Age and Expectations

What makes Ronaldo’s journey so compelling isn’t just his stats—it’s his relentless passion. In a revealing interview with Brazilian outlet UOL, the 2016 European champion spoke candidly about what keeps him going: “Longevity in sports comes only from passion, and I still feel that passion deeply.” Having spent over two decades at the top level, Ronaldo’s drive remains undiminished. Whether he’s scoring or not, football is his life, and he plans to keep playing “as long as my legs allow me to.”

At Al-Nassr, Ronaldo’s form is a testament to his professionalism and fitness. Seven matches into the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League season, he’s netted eight goals and provided an assist, proving age is just a number for those who refuse to compromise. His contract runs until June 2027, and his market value remains robust at €12 million (Transfermarkt).

Chasing 1000 Goals: The Race with Messi

Ronaldo’s hunger for records is legendary. As of November 2025, he stands at 952 career goals—just 48 shy of the historic 1000-goal mark (MyKhel). Nine goals in ten appearances for Al-Nassr this season alone underscore his remarkable consistency. Meanwhile, Lionel Messi, his perennial rival, sits at 892 goals, still 108 away from the same milestone. Their head-to-head numbers continue to capture the imagination of fans worldwide:

Ronaldo: 1295 appearances, 952 goals, 259 assists (G+A: 1211)Messi: 1132 appearances, 892 goals, 399 assists (G+A: 1291)

The race isn’t just about numbers; it’s about legacy, inspiration, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Ronaldo’s trademark positioning, finishing, and leadership remain central to Al-Nassr’s ambitions, while Messi dazzles MLS crowds with his creative mastery and late-game heroics.

Legacy Beyond Records: Ronaldo’s Influence on New Generations

The shadow of Ronaldo’s legacy stretches far beyond the numbers. At Real Madrid, his mythos is palpable. Yet, as Kylian Mbappé, the club’s current superstar, made clear in a recent MARCA interview, he’s not chasing Ronaldo’s records—he’s forging his own path. “Everyone knows that Cristiano is the benchmark in Madrid, number one,” Mbappé acknowledged. “Being mentioned alongside Cristiano is already an honour. But I’m only focused on forging my own path, helping the team, and winning every title possible.”

Mbappé’s words reflect a new generation’s respect for Ronaldo’s achievements, but also an understanding that greatness is multifaceted. It’s not just about emulating the past—it’s about creating something new. The baton, it seems, is being passed not just through statistics, but through attitude and ambition.

The Broader Football Landscape: MLS, Inter Miami, and Superstars

Ronaldo’s influence isn’t limited to Europe or the Middle East. The rise of MLS as a destination for superstars—Messi at Inter Miami, Neymar rumors swirling—speaks to a shifting global football culture. Nani, reflecting on his time in the U.S., noted how “the league is built for superstars because they invest more in attacking players than defenders. The culture is to score goals, people are in the stadium to see goals, not the defending side.”

As Messi continues to shine in MLS, and as speculation grows about Neymar joining the Beckham-owned Inter Miami, the era of football icons transcending continents is in full swing. Ronaldo’s story is interwoven with these developments: his career has helped redefine what is possible for players as they age, and his brand continues to inspire even as football’s geography evolves.

Ronaldo’s Next Moves: Will Retirement Wait?

Despite the constant speculation about his retirement, Ronaldo remains noncommittal. The possibility of a World Cup win in 2026 looms large, not just as a personal triumph but as a historic moment for Portugal. Yet, even without that fairytale ending, his commitment to the game is unwavering. “I want to keep playing as long as my legs allow me to,” he says, a mantra that has guided him through injuries, criticism, and the relentless march of time.

For fans and analysts, the question remains: how long can Ronaldo sustain this level? His contract with Al-Nassr runs for two more years, and his form shows little sign of decline. If longevity is the ultimate record, Ronaldo is already rewriting the rules.

In the world of football, records come and go, but the relentless passion and leadership of Cristiano Ronaldo have redefined what it means to be great. As he edges closer to 1000 goals and possibly a World Cup swan song, Ronaldo’s legacy is secured—not just in numbers, but in the spirit and inspiration he brings to teammates, rivals, and fans alike.