Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has said he would like to see Cristiano Ronaldo lift the 2026 FIFA World Cup if England are not the ones to win the tournament.
Rooney made the remarks after Portugal midfielder Bruno Fernandes expressed his hope that Portugal could win the World Cup as a tribute to Ronaldo’s long-standing contribution to football.
Ronaldo, now 41, is widely regarded as one of the sport’s greatest players and has already helped Portugal secure three major trophies. He also holds records as the most-capped player in men’s international football and its highest goalscorer, with 143 goals and 46 assists in 226 appearances across all competitions for his national team.
Despite his decorated career, the Al-Nassr forward has never won the World Cup in five attempts. The upcoming tournament is expected to be his final chance to complete his list of major honours, with Portugal considered among the favourites.
Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show on BBC, Fernandes said it would be “something amazing” to see Ronaldo end his World Cup journey with a victory, describing it as a fitting reward for his impact on the game.
Rooney, who played alongside Ronaldo at Manchester United between 2004 and 2009, responded that he would like to see both Fernandes and Ronaldo enjoy success at the tournament, wishing them well for the competition.
Ronaldo remains the only player in football history to score in five different World Cups, with his best finish coming in 2006 when Portugal placed fourth.
And you think that’s possible?