Cristiano Ronaldo Can Play Until He's 50, Former England Player Believes

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is widely considered to be Cristiano Ronaldo's last chance at a World Cup, but what if it isn't? Former Manchester United teammate Teddy Sheringham believes that the Portuguese star still has a lot to offer, to the point that he would not be surprised if Ronaldo continues to play even after 2026.

Sheringham, the former England striker, suggested that Ronaldo has the physical tools and mental determination needed to remain on the pitch until he is 50. Despite the intense demands of professional football, Sheringham believes Ronaldo's meticulous approach to his fitness sets him apart from any other player in the history of the sport.

Speaking to BOYLE Sports, which publishes the latest World Cup odds, Sheringham said: "Could Cristiano Ronaldo play until he's 50 at this rate? It wouldn't surprise me, considering his body at 41. He's still in great shape. He's had his own training team for 15 years to keep him in impeccable shape and as long as he has the desire he'll keep playing, but it's difficult to get to that age and get out of bed every day to train."

Ronaldo's dedication to his work is legendary, including restrictive diets, cryotherapy and a tireless training routine that allowed him to be prolific well into his 40s. While most players retire in their 30s, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner is preparing to lead his national team, with Sheringham commenting: "I'm sure he still loves what he does and he's playing in a league that's obviously not as strong as other competitions around the world, but if he's still scoring goals and people still want him to play, then why not carry on? He's got an aura of invincibility and he's got the body and the fitness, so I think we'll still have Many years of Ronaldo ahead."


Despite his continued success on the pitch, Sheringham does not expect the former Real Madrid and Juventus player to return to Europe's elite leagues. After winning the Champions League and domestic titles in England, Spain and Italy, it appears the chapter on his European career is permanently closed, even with the return of a familiar face, José Mourinho, as Los Blancos coach.

"Can I see Cristiano Ronaldo returning to Real Madrid to play under José Mourinho again? Definitely not. He will not return to Europe," said Sheringham. While fans may dream of a romantic return to one of their former clubs, the financial and tactical realities of modern European football make such a move highly unlikely at this stage of their career.

If Ronaldo decides to leave the Middle East before finally retiring, Sheringham predicts a move to the United States could be the next logical step. Playing alongside Lionel Messi in MLS would be a huge boost for the sport in North America, and Sheringham believes the Portuguese legend would have an easy time dominating the league.

Sheringham added: "He can go to America if he wants to experience something different. You could see that, and he would certainly light up MLS like no one else can. Maybe it all depends on what he wants to do when he finally retires."

For now, the focus remains on the Saudi League andin the quest for World Cup glory, with Portugal beginning their participation in the 2026 tournament this Wednesday against the Democratic Republic of Congo in Group K. Even beyond this current chapter, the possibility of Ronaldo playing until the age of 50 is no longer being ruled out as impossible.