Uzbekistan national team coach Fabio Cannavaro revealed he told Cristiano Ronaldo that he ‘can still play for several more years’ after his side suffered a 5-0 defeat to Portugal in their second 2026 World Cup match.
Ronaldo was on target for Seleção das Quinas against Uzbekistan as he scored twice. In the process, he became the first player to score in six different World Cups and the second oldest goalscorer at the tournament after Roger Milla.
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“I retired many years ago, and he is still competing at the absolute apex of the sport,” Cannavaro said at his post-match press conference. “I told him: ‘You can still play for several more years—don’t retire. If you are performing like this, why walk away?”
The former Italian defender disagreed with suggestions that Ronaldo has lost his spark in front of goal due to playing outside of Europe.
“There are those who believe that playing in Asia, like Cristiano does, is a waste of time. But the reality is that, at 41, he still possesses a lethal hunger and desire to compete. It’s the exact same story with Messi in MLS,” he added. “Football no longer belongs solely to Europe; the borders have opened up, and the global standard keeps rising. Cristiano remains one of the greatest players in the history of the game.”
Prior to Tuesday’s match, the forward had struggled for goals for Portugal, failing to score in 10 consecutive games at major tournaments. His brace against Uzbekistan saw him become the all-time top goalscorer in Portuguese history at the World Cup.
“This is what he does” – Wayne Ronney heaps praise on Ronaldo after scoring first 2026 World Cup goals
Former Manchester United midfielder Wayne Rooney was also left in awe after Ronaldo opened his 2026 World Cup account with two goals. Rooney lauded his former teammate for finding the net on football’s biggest stage at 41 years of age, saying that is how he responds to criticism.
“With all the other top players scoring goals at this tournament, to score two goals at the World Cup at 41 is incredible,” Rooney told BBC. “He didn’t have the best game but this is what he does. He’s taken a bit of criticism and this is how he responds. He has done that his whole career.
“He wants to be the best and he’s always been like that. When the other forwards and attacking players are scoring goals, he wants to top that list. His response here is exactly what you’d expect from him.”
Next up for Ronaldo and Portugal is a clash against Colombia, as they look to seal their qualification for the knockout stages.
Edited by Ezekiel Olamide
