Cristiano Ronaldo's sister hints Portugal captain wants to play World Cup in 2026

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Cristiano Ronaldo was in tears as Portugal were knocked out of the World Cup on Saturday, but his sister has hinted it won't be his last

Cristiano Ronaldo in tears after Portugal's World Cup exit at the hands of Morocco at Qatar 2022.
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Cristiano Ronaldo may yet play another World Cup with Portugal, his sister has hinted.

Ronaldo became the only player in history to have scored in five World Cups when he netted in Portugal's opening game against Ghana, but the five-time Ballon d'Or later found himself on the bench and was in tears as Fernando Santos' side were knocked out by Morocco on Saturday.

It was widely thought that, at the age of 37, the former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward would not feature again in the game's grandest tournament, but his sibling has opened the door to the possibility that he will take part in the 2026 World Cup.

In an Instagram story, Katia Aveiro wrote: "41 is the prime of life."

Cristiano Ronaldo's sister hints in an Instagram story that her brother wants to play in the 2026 World Cup for Portugal.

(Image credit: Instagram (Katia Aveiro))

And yes, Ronaldo will be 41 by the time the 2026 World Cup – which will take place in USA, Canada and Mexico –comes around.

But given the drama off the pitch this time after Ronaldo was left out by Santos and his reduced role in the team, it remains to be seen whether he will be selected even if he does want to play the tournament in North America.

Ben Hayward
Ben Hayward
Weekend editor

Ben Hayward is a European football writer and Tottenham Hotspur fan with over 15 years’ experience, he has covered games all over the world - including three World Cups, several Champions League finals, Euros, Copa America - and has spent much of that time in Spain. Ben speaks English and Spanish, currently dividing his time between Barcelona and London, covering all the big talking points of the weekend on FFT: he’s also written several list features and interviewed Guglielmo Vicario for the magazine.