Ronaldo's Undisputed Reign: Why Age is Just a Number
The debate continues, but for former Portugal international Maniche, there is no doubt — Cristiano Ronaldo remains an essential figure for Portugal as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup. The ex-midfielder has firmly backed the Al-Nassr star to remain the focal point of the national team attack, insisting that age should not overshadow performance and impact.
Key Points:
- Cristiano Ronaldo is still Portugal's most effective striker, despite his age.
- His unique goalscoring prowess and unwavering professionalism are unmatched.
- Maniche believes there are no better alternatives in the current national team pool.
- Jose Mourinho remains a top-tier coach and is fully capable of managing Real Madrid again.
Maniche, who played alongside Ronaldo at Euro 2004, believes the five-time Ballon d’Or winner continues to offer unmatched value through his consistency, professionalism, and elite goalscoring ability. For him, Portugal’s plans for the World Cup must still revolve around their long-standing captain.
Striker Shortage Keeps Ronaldo Central to Portugal Plans
At the heart of Maniche’s argument is Portugal’s lack of a truly clinical alternative in attack. Speaking to Flashscore, he stressed that there is currently no forward in the national setup who surpasses Ronaldo’s finishing ability or reliability in decisive moments.
“I don’t see another striker better than him,” Maniche said, underlining the gap in Portugal’s current attacking options despite the squad’s technical depth. He added that Ronaldo’s presence does more than score goals — it shapes defensive attention, creates space for teammates, and elevates the overall attacking structure.
Even as Ronaldo approaches 41 years old by the 2026 World Cup, Maniche highlighted that his physical condition and professional discipline continue to set elite standards. In his view, selection should be based on output rather than age, with Ronaldo still delivering at club and international level.
Leadership, Legacy, and the World Cup Chase
Beyond statistics, Ronaldo’s motivation remains a driving force for Portugal. The pursuit of a long-awaited World Cup title, alongside the ambition of reaching 1,000 career goals, continues to fuel his competitive edge. These milestones, Maniche suggests, serve both personal and collective ambitions for the national team.
Under coach Roberto Martinez, Ronaldo remains a central figure in Portugal’s plans as they move toward the qualifiers, where the team is expected to face opponents including DR Congo in upcoming fixtures. His leadership and experience are viewed as critical assets for a squad aiming for a deep tournament run.
Mourinho and the Real Madrid Conversation
Maniche also addressed ongoing speculation surrounding Jose Mourinho and a potential return to Real Madrid, expressing strong belief that the Portuguese coach remains fully capable of managing at the highest level.
Despite claims that Mourinho’s methods may be outdated, Maniche dismissed such concerns, describing him as “The Special One” who can still thrive under pressure at the Santiago Bernabéu. He referenced Mourinho’s previous tenure at Madrid, where he helped restore competitiveness during an era dominated by Barcelona.
Maniche added that the strong historical relationship between Mourinho and club president Florentino Pérez could make a reunion both natural and impactful, reinforcing the idea that elite experience still holds significant value at the top level of football.
