At 41, Cristiano Ronaldo became the oldest outfield player in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He also featured in six World Cups, alongside Lionel Messi. While La Pulga flourished with a hattrick for Argentina in a scintillating 3-0 win over Algeria, the Portuguese veteran’s fate drew a different perspective on age, and the elite respect legends receive as they make their way onto the team sheet.
Football has always made room for greatness and ego in equal measure. Whether that ego is confidence can be debated, if the performance on the field is backing it up. But if that doesn’t happen, the very traits that turn players into legends, “obsession, confidence, and hunger”, can also become weaknesses and a burden for the squad when time catches up. That is exactly the uncomfortable conversation Portugal must now have about Ronaldo. ThePrint earlier suggested that he should accept his fate and sit on the bench at this edition. He can be a better super substitute in this World Cup. That is what Portugal needs right now.
For almost two decades, Ronaldo’s selfishness in front of goal was fruitful as he could convert the goals, be it for Portugal, Manchester United or Real Madrid. He is a force made with sheer pride and confidence. With him being at the end of every play seemed somewhat necessary for the team’s success. For Ronaldo, nearing the 1,000-goal mark would have been impossible if he were not selfish. You do not dominate football for 20 years by constantly looking for the extra pass. An ego coming in the way of reality
