SportFootballCristiano RonaldoCristiano Ronaldo is currently one of the oldest participants at the World Cup and is still leading Portugal as their number one striking option14:42, 27 Jun 2026Updated 14:44, 27 Jun 2026Cristiano Ronaldo could opt for a player-coach role for Portugal at the next World Cup. However, Danny Mills believes there is a greater chance the veteran striker will hang up his boots temporarily and focus solely on bringing through the next generation.‌The Portugal international is currently one of the oldest-serving players at the World Cup, beaten only by Scotland's Craig Gordon who is 43 years old. Ronaldo has two goals so far, scoring a brace against Uzbekistan, and will compete in the round of 32 with his country.‌The iconic forward is currently 41 and would be 45 by the time the 2030 World Cup rolls around - but his current fitness levels show that appearing at the major tournament isn't entirely out of the question. However, former England defender Mills told betTOM that he believes Ronaldo will be in a coaching role by the time the next World Cup arrives.‌He said: "Unless Cristiano Ronaldo becomes the player-coach for Portugal at the next World Cup, I can’t see him playing. I’m not sure you can justify starting Ronaldo for Portugal in four years' time.Get the latest World Cup news straight to your inbox by signing up to our Make Football Great Again newsletter now!"He’s one injury away from being done; the body doesn’t heal or recover anywhere as effectively once you enter your 40s. He’ll be involved in one way or another in 2030, but I think it’s a dream to imagine him in the starting XI."‌Mills praised Ronaldo's goalscoring prowess but admitted the "egos" in Portugal's team could prevent him from taking a main role in the future. He added: "It goes without saying he’s an outstanding footballer with incredible numbers to his name."But I think there are a few too many egos and star players who won’t be buying into the idea of playing for Ronaldo - in contrast to how the Argentinian squad is built to serve Lionel Messi.‌"Roberto Martinez has to make some very tough decisions in terms of starting or benching Ronaldo at this moment. He has to decide whether he adds more to the team than he takes away. In big moments, you can rely on him to produce something magical."The current Portugal manager has received criticism for his continued use of Ronaldo in the starting XI, with Goncalo Ramos languishing on the bench. The manager has a huge call to make, whether he will persist with the 41-year-old in the main team or opt for a younger option up front.Mills commented on the continued backlash, calling it a "delicate" situation to manage. He explained: "But if Martinez leaves Ronaldo out of the starting XI and Portugal don’t win a game, he’ll be criticised. Similarly, if Portugal lose with Ronaldo on the pitch for 90 minutes, he’ll also face criticism. It’s a very delicate and difficult management decision.Article continues below"If I was managing the team, I’d be more tempted to use Ronaldo off the bench, rather than starting him."Content cannot be displayed without consentChoose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌Cristiano RonaldoWorld Cup 2026Portugal football team