2022 World Cup ones to watch: Cristiano Ronaldo
Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo will play the last World Cup of his career in just 3 weeks, but he’s no less of a superstar at 37 than he was before.
Despite his rocky Premier League start, Cristiano Ronaldo is hoping to make a bigger impact at the World Cup in Qatar than he so far has in his club. The 37-year-old is in his final years as a professional soccer player, and he’s had a rough go with Manchester United this season. But in just a few weeks, he’ll have the chance to show he’s still the frightening striker he’s always been when he plays with the Portuguese national team in the World Cup in Qatar.
“When you see Cristiano playing, and physically looking amazing, like a 19-year-old, it makes you work hard and makes you take care of yourself better,” said fellow Portuguese player, Nani. “I think he is a very good leader and example for all of us.”
Ronaldo became the all-time leading goalscorer (117) in men’s international soccer in 2021, surpassing Iran’s Ali Daei. He’s provided 18 goal contributions for Portugal since the beginning of 2021, which is the 3rd-best in Europe.
“Ronaldo is someone who doesn’t stop,” said his Portuguese compatriot, Éder. “He wants more and more, and I think that once he steps into a competition, he is here to win and do his best.”
This will be Ronaldo’s fifth World Cup and along with the most international goals (117), he also has the most international caps (191).
“He is the best in the world. It’s as simple as that,” said Portugal head coach Fernando Santos. “When you say he is the world’s best, what else must be said? Nothing, right?”
Portugal will play their first World Cup game in Qatar on November 24 against Ghana in Group H.