Ronaldo silences World Cup fitness doubts at 41 with 28-goal Saudi season behind him

Cristiano Ronaldo arrived at Portugal’s pre-tournament media session on Friday with a sharp rebuttal ready for anyone questioning his fitness heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Asked about his physical condition, the 41-year-old captain gestured to his recent form and said: “Physically? I’m fine. Have you not seen my matches?”

The confidence is not without foundation. Across 30 Saudi Pro League appearances for Al-Nassr in the 2025-26 season, Ronaldo scored 28 goals and added two assists from 161 shots — numbers that would be notable for a player a decade younger. Warm-up victories against Chile and Nigeria have only reinforced his belief that he is ready for what will be his sixth World Cup.

Beyond his own condition, Ronaldo spoke positively about Portugal’s collective preparation, though he was careful to frame the real test as still to come. “It has been good but tiring because we’ve worked hard,” he said. “We’ve had the upper hand in our matches, but what matters most is when the ball starts rolling on the 17th, in the first game, and then when the pressure really starts to mount — that’s when we’ll see the true champions.”

For Ronaldo, the tournament carries a weight that statistics alone cannot capture. Despite winning virtually every major honour available at club level, a FIFA World Cup has eluded him throughout a career that has spanned five previous editions of the tournament. At 41, this edition in the United States, Canada, and Mexico represents his final realistic opportunity to add the one title missing from his collection.

Portugal open their campaign on 17 June, and their captain has made clear he intends to be central to whatever follows.