Former Russian international Dmitry Bulykin offered his take on Cristiano Ronaldo’s future with the Portugal national team, suggesting that the star forward might not reach the 2026 World Cup as a national team player. His assessment was shared with vprognoze.ru, where he laid out his reasoning about Ronaldo’s fitness and the evolving landscape of Portuguese football.
Bulykin argued that Ronaldo could still be involved with football in 2026, but most plausibly in a player-coach capacity. He noted that the next generation in Portugal is strong and dynamic, with a robust pipeline of young talents rising through the national system. Given Ronaldo’s age and the pace required at the international level, the former striker believed the exceptional 41-year-old would face significant challenges if he tried to maintain the same performance level as his peak years. The emphasis, according to Bulykin, would likely shift toward mentoring younger players and contributing to tactical development from the sideline, rather than anchoring the national squad as a pure on-field presence. Still, he acknowledged the possibility that Ronaldo could remain involved in the sport at a high level, simply in a different role within the national team setup. (source: vprognoze.ru)
In October, Ronaldo himself signaled long-term plans that would extend beyond the end of his playing days. He announced intentions to retire after representing Portugal at the 2026 World Cup, by which time he would be 41 years old. This candid stance underscored a bittersweet transition: one phase of a storied career approaching its natural conclusion, and another phase potentially shaped by leadership off the pitch. The message highlighted Ronaldo’s clear-eyed view of the balance between personal milestones and the evolving needs of a national team continually refreshed by younger players.
Portugal’s recent form has reinforced its standing as a top contender in European competition. The national team secured perfect play in the group stage, winning all 10 matches, which positioned them atop Group F in the European Championship qualifying campaign. Under the guidance of Roberto Martínez, Portugal demonstrated depth, cohesion, and a tactical adaptability that has become a hallmark of their current setup. The achievement reflects a program investing in both established stars and emerging talents, ensuring depth across positions and options for coaches facing the rigors of modern international football.
In another note of continuity, it is noted that Kazakhstan’s national team earned the direct qualification path to EURO 2024, marking a notable milestone for a program seeking greater visibility on the continental stage. This development, while separate from Ronaldo’s arc with Portugal, illustrates how different national teams navigate qualification routes and timing, often shaping strategic decisions about player selection, development, and long-term planning for major tournaments. These dynamics contribute to a broader picture of European football’s evolving landscape as teams balance veteran leadership with the infusion of fresh talent for future cycles.
References: vprognoze.ru, contemporary coverage of player trajectories and national team strategies, with contextual updates on European Championship qualification results and coaching leadership across teams. (source: vprognoze.ru)