French journalist Julien Laurens feels Cristiano Ronaldo, 39, will not be good enough for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Ronaldo, who recently became the first footballer to complete 900 professional goals in his career, is at the fag end of his career.
However, Ronaldo has shown no signs of stopping anytime soon as he wants to complete 1000 goals in his glorious career. Meanwhile, the Portuguese talismanic striker was not at his best in Euro 2024 as he could only manage an assist in five matches of the tournament.
Julien Laurens said on ESPN, “He’ll be 41 (at the 2026 World Cup). I don’t think he should be there (in the Portugal squad for the next World Cup). I don’t think he will be good enough anymore in two years’ time.
Laurens reckons Ronaldo should take a leaf out of Luis Suarez as the Uruguayan recently announced his retirement.
“Luis Suarez just announced his retirement from international football and what he said was basically that he can’t do it at the World Cup in two years. He could still be playing in the CONMEBOL qualifiers, but he knows that in two years, it’s too far for him and he won’t be there.”
The football expert noted that Ronaldo’s achievements are mind-blowing but it’s time for him to reconsider his future.
“I think it’s the same for Cristiano and it’s true. He scored 900 goals, which means 45 goals for 20 seasons. Some of the top strikers in the world cannot score 45 goals in one season. It is remarkable, and we are not taking anything away from Cristiano by saying that (he shouldn’t play at the next World Cup).
Laurens noted that the World Cup is the survival of the fittest and Ronaldo might well be past his best years.
The World Cup is the best of the best. You play agains the best defenders, against the best countries and I don’t think he can do it anymore. So why are they keeping him in the team now when they can focus on building an incredible squad over the next two years for the World Cup? “
“Portugal will be among the favourites. But Cristiano Ronaldo will not be good enough to lead the line there. We know that already,” he added.
Ronaldo recently scored in Portugal’s 2-1 win against Croatia, which was his 900th goal. Portugal will next take on Scotland in the Nations League.
