Cristiano Ronaldo, at 41 the second-oldest player at this World Cup behind Scotland’s Craig Gordon, has already scored twice in the tournament — a brace against Uzbekistan that propelled Portugal into the round of 32. Yet even as he prepares to lead the line against Colombia in a Group K decider today, the question of how much longer he can remain Portugal’s focal point is becoming increasingly urgent.
Roberto Martinez, the Portugal manager, has faced mounting criticism for persisting with Ronaldo in the starting XI while Goncalo Ramos languishes on the bench. The veteran forward’s fitness levels remain remarkable, but former England defender Danny Mills believes the clock is ticking. “He’s one injury away from being done; the body doesn’t heal or recover anywhere as effectively once you enter your 40s,” Mills told betTOM. “Unless Cristiano Ronaldo becomes the player-coach for Portugal at the next World Cup, I can’t see him playing.”
“Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, faces questions over his Portugal future as Danny Mills suggests a player-coach role is unlikely for the 2030 World Cup.”
The 2030 World Cup would see Ronaldo at 45, an age at which even he would struggle to justify a starting berth. Mills, however, argued that a player-coach role is unlikely. “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,” he said. “I’m not sure you can justify starting Ronaldo for Portugal in four years’ time. 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 — “it goes without saying he’s an outstanding footballer with incredible numbers” — but stressed the delicate balance Martinez must strike. “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.”
For now, Ronaldo remains Portugal’s number one striking option, and tonight’s clash with Colombia will be another test of whether his presence outweighs the tactical compromises it forces. Martinez has a huge call to make — not just for this World Cup, but for the generation that will follow.