Former Manchester United star Kleberson shared his opinion on what Cristiano Ronaldo must be thinking ahead of participating in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. Despite crossing 40 years, the Portuguese icon is expected to guide his team in the tournament this summer.
No signs of slowing down from Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo has shown no signs of slowing down despite being close towards the end of his career. The Portuguese forward is set to represent his side for the sixth time in the FIFA World Cup, which set to be his last appearance. Ronaldo is also the first player in men's football to score 900 goals, with him aiming to hit 1000 before retirement. The star is often praised for his mentality and work ethics throughout his career.
In an interaction with GOAL, Cristiano Ronaldo's former Manchester United teammate Kleberson opened up about what the Portuguese must be feeling ahead of the World Cup. He said:
"Inside of him he probably feels ‘gosh, I have to win the World Cup, I can’t finish my career like this’. He has to work hard. It’s not just him, it’s other players. Neymar also is probably thinking ‘Messi has a World Cup, I don’t’. [Erling] Haaland as well, he might not get a World Cup. It’s inside players, inside these top players."
He added:
"The World Cup is sometimes fair, sometimes unfair. I believe those guys look at me and think ‘oh my gosh, I can’t believe Kleberson has a World Cup and I haven’t!’ I don’t have five Ballons’ d’Or, but I have won the World Cup!"
Kleberson won the FIFA World Cup with Brazil in 2002. Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo has yet to win it with Portugal. However, the legendary forward has been a key player in bringing international glory to his country, having won the 2016 Euro and the UEFA Nations League twice in 2019 and 2025.
Kleberson believes Cristiano Ronaldo can play until he is 50
In his aforementioned interview with GOAL, Kleberson also praised Cristiano Ronaldo's mentality, remembering his time playing with him at Manchester United. The two shared the pitch 17 times at the club during Ronaldo's first stint (2003-2009). The Brazilian said:
"I met him when he was 17/18 years old, in 2003. We talked a lot because we wanted to speak Portuguese. We could see the things that he wanted in his life, and he hasn’t changed that. He is still the same. If there is something that Cristiano Ronaldo has, it is mental strength. His mentality is so powerful. Then he takes care of himself a lot - his body, the way he plays."
He added:
"When you watch him now, he is not like Cristiano of years ago, but he still has an impact. (...) If he wants to play at 50, he can do it! He’s in great shape."
Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that the 2026 World Cup will be his last international competition with Portugal. However, his contract with Al-Nassr runs until 2027. It remains to be seen if the Portuguese hangs up his boots, as he is still among the best players in the world.