Brazilian Ronaldo says Cristiano Ronaldo no longer fit for World Cup level

Brazilian football great Ronaldo Nazário has said Cristiano Ronaldo lacks the physical capacity to cope with the demands of the 2026 World Cup. Speaking to French outlet Foot Mercato, the former Brazil striker said the 41-year-old Portugal captain no longer has the bodily attributes needed to match the tournament's pace. Ronaldo, who retired in 2011, drew on his own experience to argue that while the mind often wants to continue, the body eventually sets the limit. He suggested the Portuguese forward could still compete in the Saudi Pro League, but insisted the World Cup requires a far higher physical and tactical level. Argentina's Lionel Messi, 39, reached the 2026 World Cup final with eight goals, while Cristiano Ronaldo was eliminated in the round of 16 after scoring three.