Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti believes that Cristiano Ronaldo can play in any team in the world. The Portuguese legend has continued to excel despite being 40, and recently guided Portugal to UEFA Nations League glory.
Speaking in a press conference ahead of Brazil’s crucial World Cup Qualifier clash with Paraguay on Tuesday (June 10), Ancelotti was asked if Ronaldo would have a place in his team. The former Real Madrid manager hailed the latter’s commitment and professionalism, claiming that he could feature in any team in the world.
Cristiano Ronaldo has proven to be a vital figure in the Portuguese national team. He scored the winning goal in the side’s 2-1 win over Germany in the Nations League semifinal. In the final, Ronaldo was on the scoresheet again, scoring Portugal’s second goal to make the score 2-2. But he did not partake in the shootout win (5-3) after being forced out with an injury towards the end of regulation time.
At club level, the Portugal captain has also been in top form. Ronaldo registered an impressive 35 goals and four assists in 41 matches across competitions this season. His 25 goals in the Saudi Pro League also saw him finish as the league’s top scorer for the season.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner will be gearing up to lead A Selecao to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which could be his last. Ronaldo is in the final month of his contract with Al-Nassr but is expected to pen a new deal with the Saudi club that will see him continue to play until the World Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo played under Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid for two seasons. In 101 games for the Italian manager, he recorded 112 goals and 47 assists. The duo notably guided Los Blancos to the Champions League title in 2014.
ESPN pundit Steve Nicol has claimed that Cristiano Ronaldo would be a passenger if he is included in Portugal’s starting line-up at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Nicol stated that Ronaldo, who will be 41 at the time, will not be physically fit enough to lead the line for his team.
Nicol said (on ESPN’s YouTube Channel):
He added:
Cristiano Ronaldo will set the record as the player with the most FIFA World Cup edition appearances (six) should he feature at the tournament.
A Chelsea fan, Okenna had his first tryst with Blues in 2006, after fellow countryman John Mikel Obi joined the west London club. He was immediately drawn to the brilliance of players like Frank Lampard, Joe Cole, John Terry and Didier Drogba.
Okenna is a huge fan of Lionel Messi for his exceptional talent. He also admires Jose Mourinho for his achievements with various clubs which proves he’s a tactical and disciplined manger as well as a serial winner.
Some of Okenna’s prospective career landmarks include working as an international journalist and covering a FIFA World Cup game live from the stadium. When not writing, he loves watching, movies and reading books.
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