Ronaldo will play for Portugal as long as he wants - Carvalho

Former Portugal international Ricardo Carvalho has insisted that Cristiano Ronaldo will continue playing for his country for “as long as he wants,” with the 40-year-old captain expected to lead the team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Ronaldo, who has recorded 223 caps and scored a record 141 international goals, remains available for selection after extending his contract with Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr until 2026.

Carvalho, now part of Portugal’s coaching staff under Roberto Martinez, said Ronaldo’s commitment and fitness still make him indispensable.

“I feel like it will be as long as he wants. The truth is, he's earned so much credit over all these years… And I think he's doing well, which is the most important thing,” Carvalho told A BOLA.

“The coach’s feeling, in the meetings we've had, is that Cristiano will be capable of making it to the World Cup. We’re all very happy that he’s our captain and leading the team the way he has.”

Despite questions about whether Ronaldo should continue wearing the armband, Carvalho believes the squad is in good hands with experienced leaders emerging from Europe’s top clubs.

“Cristiano knows he'll eventually lose this fight against time. He feels good and is an important part of the team. Then we have players who already lead at big clubs, and they’ll surely step up in their own way,” he added.

Ronaldo, who debuted for Portugal in 2003, has lifted the Euro 2016 title and the UEFA Nations League in 2019. With Martinez’s side already qualified for the expanded 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner looks set to extend his record-breaking career into a sixth World Cup appearance.