Creaking Cristiano Ronaldo’s presence at World Cup is more a curse than a blessing | Jonathan Wilson
The 2026 World Cup will see a record number of veteran players, with Cristiano Ronaldo at 41 and Lionel Messi at 39 leading the way. While their experience offers leadership, their age and the spotlight on personality may hinder team performance, especially for Portugal. The article examines the im…
The 2026 World Cup will be a showcase for longevity in football, with seven players aged 40 or older on the tournament’s opening day. Among them are Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, Lionel Messi, 39, Luka Modrić, Edin Džeko, Manuel Neuer, Guillermo Ochoa, and Cape Verde’s goalkeeper Vozinha. The presence of these veterans raises questions about the balance between experience and the physical demands of the sport, as well as the role of celebrity in modern football.
Age and the Modern Game
Historically, the World Cup has been dominated by younger talent, but advances in sports science have extended the careers of many players. Improved nutrition, injury prevention, and recovery protocols mean that athletes can maintain peak performance well into their late 30s and early 40s. This shift is evident in the current roster, where players like Modrić and Džeko are still central to their national teams, and even Ronaldo continues to contribute at a high level.
However, the physical toll of international tournaments cannot be ignored. The 500‑game rule still applies to many, and the cumulative wear on joints and muscles becomes more pronounced with age. While some players like James Milner and Robert Lewandowski have recently begun to show signs of decline, others remain effective in specific roles that suit their experience.
Ronaldo: From Superstar to Symbol
Ronaldo’s journey from a prolific striker to a symbol of footballing celebrity is a key point of discussion. In recent seasons, his goal‑scoring prowess has diminished, yet his aerial ability and finishing remain valuable assets. At the last World Cup, his omission in favor of Gonçalo Ramos against Switzerland allowed Portugal to gain a fresh burst of energy, leading to a 6‑0 win. Yet, the fans’ demand for Ronaldo’s presence underscores the modern game’s obsession with personality and spectacle.
Ronaldo’s continued selection raises concerns about whether he is a net positive for Portugal. While his experience can inspire younger teammates, his limited mobility may restrict tactical flexibility. The decision to field him, even after a red‑card suspension was commuted, reflects FIFA’s tendency to keep marquee names on the pitch, potentially at the expense of team cohesion.
Messi’s Role and the Argentine Legacy
Messi, turning 39 during the tournament, remains the focal point of Argentina’s hopes. Despite a muscular injury that saw him limp out of a match in MLS, he is still regarded as the player who can unlock defenses with a single pass or moment of brilliance. The Argentine squad’s depth, including Julian Álvarez and Rodrigo De Paul, suggests that Messi’s presence is a strategic choice rather than a necessity.
Argentina’s reliance on Messi highlights a broader trend: teams often lean on veteran stars to carry the weight of expectation. While this can bring experience, it may also mask underlying squad weaknesses that younger players could address.
Implications for Portugal and Other Teams
Portugal’s decision to field Ronaldo, alongside other older players, may limit the emergence of a new generation of creative talent. The team’s lack of a modern centre‑forward since Eusébio further compounds this issue. If Ronaldo’s limited mobility hampers the team’s ability to adapt during matches, it could cost Portugal crucial points in a highly competitive group stage.
Other nations with veteran players face similar dilemmas. For instance, Cape Verde’s goalkeeper Vozinha, playing for a second‑division club in Portugal, raises questions about the balance between experience and competitive readiness. Likewise, the presence of 43‑year‑old Craig Gordon in the squad reflects the broader trend of older players being retained for their leadership rather than on-field impact.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Veteran Players in the World Cup
As the tournament progresses, it will become clearer whether the presence of older stars benefits or hinders their teams. The data will also inform future squad selections, as national teams weigh the value of experience against the need for physical dynamism. Ultimately, the 2026 World Cup may set a new benchmark for how long elite footballers can compete at the highest level.
For fans and analysts alike, the tournament will be a test of whether football’s evolving science can sustain the careers of legends like Ronaldo and Messi, or whether the sport will return to its roots of youthful exuberance and rapid play.
Conclusion
The 2026 World Cup’s veteran lineup is a testament to modern sports science and the enduring allure of footballing icons. While their experience offers undeniable advantages, the potential costs—both tactical and cultural—must be carefully considered by national teams seeking success on the world stage.
Why it matters
The tournament’s record number of senior players highlights a shift in football’s culture and the influence of celebrity on team strategy, affecting how national squads balance experience with emerging talent.
Key points
- Seven players aged 40+ will play in the 2026 World Cup, a record for the tournament.
- Ronaldo’s presence is seen as both a leadership asset and a potential tactical hindrance.
- Messi’s role remains central to Argentina despite age and injury concerns.
- Advances in sports science are extending footballers’ careers, but physical limits still apply.
- The reliance on veteran stars may limit the development of younger talent in national teams.
Frequently asked questions
Why are so many veteran players in the 2026 World Cup?
Improved sports science, nutrition, and recovery methods allow players to maintain peak performance longer, leading to more senior athletes participating.
Does Ronaldo still contribute significantly to Portugal?
Ronaldo remains a valuable finisher and aerial threat, but his reduced mobility and age may limit tactical flexibility and overall team performance.
What impact does Messi’s age have on Argentina’s strategy?
Messi’s experience and playmaking ability are still crucial, but Argentina also relies on younger players like Julian Álvarez to share the workload.
