As the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America approaches, Cristiano Ronaldo is set to make history as one of the oldest players ever to feature at the tournament, further cementing his legacy of longevity in football.
Ronaldo, who turned 41 on 5 February 2026, has consistently stated that the upcoming competition will be his sixth and final World Cup appearance. The Portugal captain, who continues to play club football for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, remains determined to lead his country one last time on the global stage.
NEWSCLICKNG Online highlights some of the oldest players to have appeared in World Cup history:
Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal, Forward) — 41 years (2026)
Essam El Hadary (Egypt, Goalkeeper) — 45 years (2018 vs Saudi Arabia)
Faryd Mondragón (Colombia, Goalkeeper) — 43 years (2014 vs Japan)
Roger Milla (Cameroon, Forward) — 42 years (1994 vs Russia)
Pat Jennings (Northern Ireland, Goalkeeper) — 41 years (1986 vs Brazil)
Peter Shilton (England, Goalkeeper) — 40 years (1990 vs Italy)
Dino Zoff (Italy, Goalkeeper) — 40 years (1982 vs West Germany, final)
Ali Boumnijel (Tunisia, Goalkeeper) — 40 years (2006 vs Ukraine)
Jim Leighton (Scotland, Goalkeeper) — 39 years (1998 vs Morocco)
Ronaldo’s expected participation at the 2026 World Cup will further highlight his remarkable endurance at the highest level and place him among a select group of players whose careers have stretched across decades and multiple editions of the tournament.
