After winning one Euro Cup and two UEFA Nations League, Cristiano Ronaldo now takes the last chance to win a Mun Cup c. The forward and top scorer in the history of football, will play in the 2026 World Cup as the main offensive referent of Portugal.

But beyond their possibilities to obtain the precious cup, this last World Cup event has other details that enhance their participation and It's age. The Portuguese star is 41 years old, a very curious figure for a footballer in World Cups, especially when it involves forwards.

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Is Cristiano Ronaldo the longest forward in World World history?

Although he stayed very close to the record, CR7 is not the oldest forward who will play in a World Cup. This feat is still in the power of Cameroonian Roger Milla, who at 42 years 39 days, not only played, but scored a goal against Russia in the United States 1994 World Cup.

To adorn his mark through age, Cristiano Ronaldo must score at least a goal, which would give him a very complicated second place to overcome, taking into account that they are attackers, one of the most demanding positions on the field.

Generally, the longest players in the World Cups are the goalkeepers, since the position allows them to have a lower physical demand during the 90 minutes of each match, thus lengthening their professional career.

The best examples are the Egyptian goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary, who played in the 2018 World Russia at 45 years and 161 days. Likewise, Colombian goalkeeper Faryd Mondragón played in the 2014 Brazil edition at 43 years and 3 days.

And what happens if Cristiano Ronaldo wins the World Cup?

If Portugal wins the World Cup, and is one of the favorites due to its current squad, Cristiano Ronaldo would achieve a historical record: being the longest footballer to conquer a World Cup.

He would surpass Italian goalkeeper Dino Zoff, who won the 1982 World Cup in Spain, aged 40 years, 4 months and 13 days. Furthermore, he was the captain of his team and CR7 is captain of Portugal.

But be careful, because that same record is chased by two other footballers in the 2026 World Cup: the Croatian Luka Modric and the Mexican Guillermo “Memo” Ochoa. Both are 40 years old and, to win the Cup, they would also leave Zoff's record behind.

And be careful with a player that few have on the radar: Thiago Silva. The Brazilian defender is 41 years old, but turned in September 2025, while so Cristiano in February of this year. This means that, if being called by Carlo Ancelotti, Thiago would be the longest footballer in the edition.

Although his chances are minimal, Eder Militao's injury opens possibilities for Silva, who recently/won champion with FC Porto of the Portuguese league.

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