Maniche Backs 41-Year-Old Cristiano Ronaldo to Lead Portugal at 2026 FIFA World Cup

Former Portugal international Maniche has come out firmly in support of Cristiano Ronaldo‘s place in Portugal’s 2026 FIFA World Cup squad, insisting the Al-Nassr forward — who turns 41 this June — remains an asset the national team cannot afford to overlook.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Flash Score, Maniche made a direct case for his former international teammate: “In my opinion, Cristiano Ronaldo must play. As long as he possesses the desire and ambition to represent the national team, he should continue to do so.”

Maniche acknowledged the physical realities of Ronaldo’s age but maintained that his influence extends well beyond athleticism. “He is an exceptional player. While it is true that he may not have the same physical vitality as he did 20 years ago, he still compels opponents to remain vigilant and creates opportunities for his teammates,” the former midfielder said.

He also took aim at what he described as a lack of fairness in public discourse surrounding the forward. “We must show respect, and I believe there is often a lack of intellectual honesty in discussions about him. He continues to be a reference point and remains significant for the national team. I do not see any other striker who surpasses him. Ultimately, it is the coach’s responsibility to manage the team effectively.”

Ronaldo is set to appear at a record-extending sixth FIFA World Cup this summer, a tournament being co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. He made his World Cup debut at the 2006 edition in Germany, where Portugal finished third — a tournament in which Maniche himself was a key figure, scoring a memorable goal against the Netherlands in the quarter-finals.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner currently holds the record as football’s all-time leading scorer across club and international football, with 973 goals to his name. At international level, he remains Portugal’s top scorer with over 130 goals in more than 200 appearances for the Seleção.

Since joining Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr in January 2023, Ronaldo has continued to produce at a high level domestically, though questions about the quality of opposition he faces in Saudi Arabia have featured prominently in debates about his readiness for elite international competition.

Portugal are considered among the contenders at the 2026 tournament, which kicks off on June 11. The squad boasts a generation of talented players including Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, and Vitinha — yet Ronaldo’s experience and goal-scoring record ensure his inclusion remains a focal point of discussion around Roberto Martínez’s squad selection and tactical approach.

Maniche’s comments arrive as Portugal prepare to face Nigeria in an early group-stage fixture, a match that has drawn significant attention across Africa. The debate around Ronaldo’s role at the tournament is expected to intensify as the competition progresses.