Cristiano Ronaldo has been backed to play at the 2030 World Cup by his former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen, despite the Portuguese star stating that this summer's tournament will be his last. The 41-year-old forward is set to appear at his fifth World Cup in Qatar, but Meulensteen believes he could extend his career for another four years.
Speaking to Goal, Meulensteen said: “I mean, health permitting. You look at him, he's 41, but obviously he's biologically probably early thirties. It's a bit of a case where the mind goes, the rest will follow. So there's no doubt about the fact that he looks after himself in the best possible way.” The 2030 World Cup will be co-hosted by Portugal, Spain and Morocco, which could tempt Ronaldo to continue playing.
Meulensteen also noted that Ronaldo might want to play alongside his son, who was recently listed on the team sheet for Al-Nassr. However, Ronaldo himself has previously ruled out playing beyond this year's tournament, saying: “Definitely, yes. I will be 41 years old and I think [this] will be the moment in the big competition.”
Ronaldo has amassed 226 caps for Portugal since his debut in 2003, scoring 143 goals. He heads into the World Cup in impressive form, having scored 28 goals in 34 appearances for Al-Nassr this season. Portugal will begin their group stage campaign against DR Congo, followed by matches against Uzbekistan and Colombia.
