What Would Winning the World Cup Mean for a Portuguese Superstar’s Legacy?
Cristiano Ronaldo is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time. His career has been filled with individual awards, club titles, and remarkable records that span nearly two decades. From Sporting Lisbon, two separate stints at Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and now at Al-Nassr FC, Ronaldo’s career has been defined by consistency, athleticism, and an uncanny ability to score goals. Yet, despite his vast trophy cabinet, one accolade has eluded him: the FIFA World Cup. The question now arises: can Ronaldo lift the World Cup and cement his legacy as the definitive footballing great?
Ronaldo has already achieved almost everything a player can at the club and European level. He has won multiple UEFA Champions League titles, domestic league championships, and five Ballon d’Or awards. Internationally, he led Portugal to its first major tournament triumph at Euro 2016 and followed that with the 2019 UEFA Nations League victory. These achievements, however, still fall short of the one title that every footballer dreams of: the World Cup. Portugal has a strong team on paper, with a mix of experienced veterans and emerging talent. Players like Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, and Joao Felix offer creativity and firepower, but Portugal has struggled historically in World Cup tournaments. The last time they won a major international trophy was the UEFA Nations League in 2025, and before that was the 2016 EURO cup, but World Cup glory has remained elusive. Ronaldo’s age, now in the twilight of his career, makes this task even more challenging. He must balance leadership duties with the physical demands of competing against the world’s best athletes.
A legend like Ronaldo’s presence alone can inspire his team. His professionalism, work ethic, and unmatched competitive spirit can elevate teammates and intimidate opponents. Even if Portugal is not the pre-tournament favorite, the unpredictability of knockout football means that a single strong performance could propel them deep into the tournament. Ronaldo’s knack for scoring in crucial moments gives Portugal a legitimate chance, especially if the team can effectively support him. This is also a roster that has extra motivation after the tragic death of Diogo Jota. Ronaldo’s leadership quality and love for his late teammate are another fire lit not only for him but for the rest of the Portuguese squad. This will motivate them even further to win the World Cup.
Ultimately, winning the World Cup would be the final jewel in Ronaldo’s illustrious career. It would silence lingering debates about his place in football history, putting him alongside legends like Pelé, Diego Maradona, and Lionel Messi, players who achieved greatness on both the club and international stage. While it is a daunting challenge, Ronaldo has never been one to shy away from ambition. If Portugal can combine tactical discipline with moments of brilliance from their superstar, Ronaldo’s dream of lifting the World Cup could become a reality, giving him the perfect crowning achievement to an already extraordinary legacy
