Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese football icon, has recently stated that winning the FIFA World Cup is not essential to defining his legacy. In a recent interview with Piers Morgan, the 40-year-old Al Nassr forward addressed the ongoing debate about his place in football history and his long-standing rivalry with Lionel Messi.
Ronaldo, who holds the record for most international goals with 143, believes that his career should be judged on its entirety, rather than a single tournament. "To define if I'm one of the best of the history, to win one competition, [of] six games, seven games. You think it's fair?" Ronaldo questioned, challenging the notion that a World Cup title is the ultimate measure of a player's greatness.
Ronaldo's comments mark a shift from his previous stance, where he described winning the World Cup as his "biggest and most ambitious dream". After Portugal's exit from the 2022 World Cup, he expressed his disappointment, stating that he had given his all to achieve that dream. However, he now insists that his legacy is already secure, regardless of whether he ever lifts the trophy.
The debate over who is the greatest between Ronaldo and Messi has been a constant theme throughout their careers. Messi finally won the World Cup in 2022, a triumph that many saw as solidifying his legendary status. However, Ronaldo remains confident in his own achievements, which include five UEFA Champions League titles, a Euro 2016 victory, and a UEFA Nations League title. "Is Messi better than me? I disagree. I don't want to be humble," Ronaldo asserted.
Ronaldo's impact on international football is undeniable. He is the only player to have featured in six European Championships and holds the record for most goals in the competition with 14. He continues to lead Portugal as they aim to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
In the same interview with Piers Morgan, Ronaldo also discussed his future plans, revealing that he expects to retire "soon". He acknowledged that leaving the sport will be difficult and emotional, but he feels prepared for the transition, having considered his future since his mid-twenties. Ronaldo intends to spend more time with his family, explore personal interests, and focus on his business ventures. "I want to be more a family person, more present," he said, highlighting his commitment to raising his five children. He also expressed interest in hobbies such as watching UFC and learning more about his companies.
While Ronaldo is preparing for his retirement from professional football, he is still playing for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia. He has scored 952 career goals and is aiming for the milestone of 1,000 goals. Despite his impending retirement, Ronaldo's competitive spirit remains strong, and he is determined to continue performing at the highest level.
Ronaldo's recent statements reflect a player who is content with his career and confident in his legacy. While a World Cup title would undoubtedly be a crowning achievement, he believes that his impact on the sport extends far beyond a single tournament. As he approaches the end of his illustrious career, Ronaldo is focused on enjoying his remaining time on the pitch and preparing for the next chapter of his life.
