The 2026 World Cup in North America is set to feature an unprecedented number of players aged 40 or older, with Cristiano Ronaldo among them. However, according to football analyst Jonathan Wilson, the Portuguese captain's inclusion may be more of a hindrance than a help to his national team.
Ronaldo, who will turn 41 during the tournament, is one of seven players aged 40 or over expected to feature. This number is remarkable given that only seven players had previously appeared at a World Cup at that age. Wilson argues that while veterans like Luka Modric and Edin Dzeko remain effective for their teams, Ronaldo's declining physical capabilities make him a liability.
Wilson notes that Ronaldo 'lumbers about in an increasingly small sphere of influence, still decent in the air, still a good finisher, but barely able to move, lacking the explosive power that once made him great.' He contrasts this with Lionel Messi, who, despite similar age concerns, still offers Argentina a unique creative spark that justifies his place.
The analyst suggests that Portugal's reliance on Ronaldo could undermine their World Cup campaign. 'An obsession with celebrity may undermine Portugal,' Wilson writes, implying that the team might be better served by moving on from the aging star.
The increase in older players is attributed to improved sports science, nutrition, and recovery methods, as well as the tournament's expansion to 48 teams, which allows lower-ranked nations to qualify with veteran players.
