“One More Try”: Ronaldo Pushes Retirement Plan to Play in 2026 FIFA World Cup

• Cristiano Ronaldo has expressed his desire to prolong his playing career
• The Portugal icon wants to keep playing until the 2026 FIFA World Cup
• Ronaldo has featured in four FIFA World Cup tournaments so far

Cristiano Ronaldo is not giving up hope on winning the FIFA World Cup as the 38-year-old has expressed his desire to play in the tournament one more time in his career.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner believes he is in peak physical condition and is looking to push back retirement plans to play for Portugal in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

According to Sportskeeda, Ronaldo is eager to become the latest male player to play in five World Cups, which is one of the key motivators for continuing his outstanding career.

The Portuguese forward has reportedly asked his club, Al-Nassr, to offer him a new contract extension until 2027, which will help him retain his competitive-level fitness until the next edition of the World Cup.

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Mexico defender Rafa Marquez became the last player to join the coveted list of players to participate in five World Cups in their careers, joining Italy's Gianluigi Buffon and Germany's Lothar Matthaus.

Ronaldo linked with return to England

Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo has been linked with an offer to return to the Premier League and European football, with Newcastle interested in signing the Al Nassr forward, Vanguard reports.

The 38-year-old forward has unfinished business in England after leaving Manchester United in controversial circumstances when his contract was mutually terminated.

Ronaldo would later join Al-Nassr in January 2023 after the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and has scored 24 goals in 24 appearances for the Saudi Pro League giants.

Hatton wants boxing bout with Ronaldo

Earlier, Sports Brief reported former world boxing champion Ricky Hatton has playfully mentioned Cristiano Ronaldo as his dream opponent while humorously explaining his desire to "give" the football legend a friendly slap.

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Ronaldo, who had two tenures at Manchester United, significantly contributed to the club's domestic dominance under the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson, often irking rival fans, including those from Manchester City.

Hatton, a lifelong City supporter, holds a special place in his heart for his beloved club and humorously nominated Ronaldo as a dream sparring partner, emphasizing his lighthearted desire to exchange playful banter with the 38-year-old football icon.