Football

I don’t see why he won’t be targeting that as well – William Gallas backs Cristiano Ronaldo to play FIFA World Cup 2026

Former Chelsea and Arsenal defender William Gallas feels Cristiano Ronaldo can take inspiration from his Portugal teammate, Pepe, and play in the FIFA World Cup 2024. Pepe, 41, is included in Portugal’s Euro 2024 squad.

Ronaldo, 39, is still fit as a fiddle and has been consistently scoring goals at the top level. The talisman was in stellar form for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League 2023-24 season as he scored 35 goals and provided 11 assists in 31 appearances. Furthermore, he scored six goals and two assists in nine matches of the AFC Champions League.

Ronaldo is also delivering for the national team as he scored 10 goals in nine qualifying games as Portugal topped Group J ahead of Slovakia, Luxembourg, Iceland, Bosnia, and Liechtenstein in Euro 2024 qualifiers.

William Gallas said via the Goal, “I think he will. He will be 41 when the next World Cup comes around, but if you look at the shape that he’s in and the goals that he’s scoring, then I don’t see why he won’t be targeting that as well. Look at Pepe. He’s 41 and playing at this tournament… he will be the oldest ever player to appear at an European Championship.”

“Ronaldo will be looking at his inclusion and will think that he can do exactly the same thing. This tournament won’t be the last dance for him… his last dance will be at the World Cup in two year’s time.”

Ronaldo has made 207 appearances for Portugal and has found the back of the net on 128 occasions, which is the most for any International player.

On the other hand, former Czech Republic player Karel Poborsky feels Ronaldo might not have a great run at Euro.

He said on Czech News Agency via the Metro, “I have been saying for a long time that he will be one of their weakest links. The fans of both teams will go crazy for him, but at his age, he is not as good for building the game and pressing as his younger teammates. So, our team would rather him start. Hats off to him for what he has achieve… thanks to his enormous self-confidence. But you can’t stop age, he is 39.”

Portugal will begin their Euro 2024 campaign against the Czech Republic on Tuesday.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

India vs England: 5th Test was a Fitting Finale to a Series of High Drama and Heroism

The finale to the India vs England series was nothing short of unbelievable. For those… Read More

August 8, 2025

WFI Suspends 11 Wrestlers Over Fake Birth Certificates in Crackdown on Age and Domicile Fraud

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has suspended 11 wrestlers for allegedly submitting fake birth… Read More

August 8, 2025

Shubman Gill to Lead North Zone in Duleep Trophy After Stellar England Series

Fresh from a record-breaking Test series against England, Shubman Gill will captain North Zone in… Read More

August 8, 2025

AIFF Confirms Delayed Start to 2025-26 Indian Football Season, Super Cup to Precede ISL

After days of uncertainty, All India Football Federation (AIFF) president Kalyan Chaubey confirmed on Thursday… Read More

August 8, 2025

Ben Shelton says he’s going to push to work harder after Toronto triumph

Ben Shelton won his maiden ATP 1000 Masters title after beating Karen Khachanov in the… Read More

August 8, 2025

AIFF sheds light on ISL’s future amid uncertainty

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) proposed that the Super Cup be held from the… Read More

August 8, 2025