‘Age isn’t a problem’ – Cristiano Ronaldo backed to inspire Portugal at 2026 World Cup despite turning 41

Cristiano Ronaldo may be preparing for what could be the final major tournament of his extraordinary career, but former Portugal team-mate Hugo Almeida believes age will not stop the legendary forward from making a decisive impact at the 2026 World Cup.

With Portugal among the favourites heading into the tournament, Almeida insists the five-time Ballon d’Or winner remains capable of delivering on football’s biggest stage.

Ronaldo backed to arrive in peak condition

Questions surrounding Ronaldo’s longevity continue to dominate discussions ahead of the World Cup, particularly as the Al-Nassr superstar prepares to compete at the age of 41.

However, Almeida, who represented Portugal alongside Ronaldo at both the 2010 and 2014 World Cups, believes the veteran striker remains uniquely equipped to compete at the highest level.

Speaking to Lusa, Almeida dismissed concerns over Ronaldo’s age.

“Age isn’t a problem. Today we see many players at 39, 40 and 41 years old arriving in great shape,” Almeida said.

“Ronaldo prepares himself better and better, and this is the competition that is missing from his curriculum and which he has been chasing for a long time.

“I believe he will arrive in good form.”

Experience now replaces youthful explosiveness

While Ronaldo is no longer the electrifying winger who terrorised defenders during his early years at Manchester United and Real Madrid, Almeida believes his football intelligence and experience make him just as valuable.

The former striker argued that Portugal’s all-time leading scorer continues to offer qualities few players in world football can match.

“Now, we cannot expect a Ronaldo as loose as when he was 20 or 30 years old,” Almeida admitted.

“But he is very experienced, the best of all time, and he makes the difference, without a doubt.”

That experience could prove crucial as Portugal attempt to navigate a demanding World Cup campaign under head coach Roberto Martinez.

Portugal among the favourites for glory

Almeida also believes Portugal possess the squad quality required to compete with the world’s strongest nations.

The former international placed the Selecao alongside traditional powerhouses such as Argentina, Spain, France, Germany and Brazil when discussing potential World Cup winners.

“The expectations are high,” Almeida said.

“The Portuguese players are in the best clubs in the world, they are constantly nominated for the best player awards, and that always carries great responsibility.

“I consider Portugal to be one of the candidate teams, but we must know there are other very good teams as well.”

Fitness and mentality could decide Portugal’s fate

While Almeida is optimistic about Portugal’s chances, he stressed that physical and mental freshness will ultimately determine how far Martinez’s side can go.

After another demanding club season for many of Portugal’s biggest stars, managing fatigue could be just as important as tactical preparation.

“It depends on the conditions in which the players arrive at the competition,” Almeida explained.

“The players’ state of mind and the freshness in their legs after a long season are important.

“The mental part too, because doing what they know is nothing new. The most important thing is physical and mental freshness.”

One final chance for Ronaldo?

For Ronaldo, the 2026 World Cup represents another opportunity to capture the one major trophy that has eluded him throughout an iconic career.

Already a European champion, Nations League winner and football’s all-time leading goalscorer, lifting the World Cup would complete a legacy that many already consider unmatched.

And if Almeida is correct, Portugal’s greatest-ever player still has enough left in the tank to make the difference when it matters most.