Cristiano Ronaldo has been selected in Portugal’s World Cup squad for this summer’s World Cup. At 41, he travels to North America knowing that this may be his absolute last opportunity to lift football’s most prestigious trophy.
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A legend at his sixth World Cup
Ronaldo remains Portugal’s central figure as the team prepares for its seventh straight playoff appearance. He has already won most things: European Championship gold, Nations League title and a bunch of individual awards. But the World Cup trophy is still missing from his never-ending collection of awards.
Now he gets the chance to crown the work.
Portugal in favourite position
Coach Roberto Martínez fieldes a team that many believe can go all the way. Portugal is placed in Group K along with DR Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia. And even though Ronaldo is no longer at the peak of his career, he still leads the way as captain and the nation’s great hope.
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Stars around Ronaldo
Luckily for Portugal, it’s far from just Ronaldo to rely on. Around him, there is an abundance of quality: Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva will control the games from midfield, while Rafael Leão brings quick legs and pure creativity in attack.
Here’s how Portugal plays in the group stage:
- June 17: Portugal – DR Congo (Houston, Texas)
- June 23: Portugal – Uzbekistan (Houston, Texas)
- June 27: Colombia – Portugal (Miami Gardens, Florida)
Here is Portugal’s entire World Cup squad
Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (FC Porto), José Sá (Wolverhampton), Rui Silva (Sporting CP), Ricardo Velho (Genclerbirligi)
Defenders: Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), Matheus Nunes (Manchester City), Nélson Semedo (Fenerbahçe), João Cancelo (FC Barcelona), Nuno Mendes (PSG), Gonçalo Inácio (Sporting CP), Renato Veiga (Villarreal), Rúben Dias (Manchester City), Tomás Araújo (Benfica)
Midfielders: Rúben Neves (Al Hilal), Samuel Costa (Mallorca), João Neves (PSG), Vitinha (PSG), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)
Attacking players: João Félix (Al Nassr), Francisco Trincão (Sporting CP), Francisco Conceição (Juventus), Pedro Neto (Chelsea), Rafael Leão (AC Milan), Gonçalo Guedes (Real Sociedad), Gonçalo Ramos (PSG), Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr)
History is not on their side – but faith is
Portugal’s best World Cup finish is still third place from 1966. But this generation thinks they can do better. Much better. After Martínez has already led them to Nations League triumph, confidence in the camp is sky-high.
Now only one thing remains: To send Ronaldo out on the biggest stage – with the gold in his luggage.
