Ronaldo Nazario: Cristiano Ronaldo still has quality for Saudi Arabia, but World Cup is another level

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Rio de Janeiro, Brazil — Two-time World Cup winner Ronaldo Nazário has offered a frank assessment of Cristiano Ronaldo’s current level, suggesting that while the Portuguese captain remains capable of competing in Saudi Arabia, the demands of a World Cup are now beyond his physical reach.

Appearing on ESPN Brasil’s Resenha do 9, the Brazilian icon known as “O Fenômeno” addressed the ongoing debate surrounding the 41-year-old’s performances at the 2026 World Cup, where Portugal were eliminated by Spain in the round of 16.

“Perhaps Cristiano is still capable of playing in Saudi Arabia, but playing in the World Cup, as we know, is much harder — the level is much higher,” Ronaldo Nazário said. “Usually, your body warns you when you can no longer cope. I think both Cristiano and Neymar have reached the point where they have to come to terms with their bodies. The battle against your body is truly very difficult to win”.

A Lesson from Personal Experience

Ronaldo Nazário, who retired in 2011 after his own battle with injuries and physical decline, spoke with the authority of someone who has walked the same path. The former Barcelona, Inter Milan and Real Madrid striker ended his career when his body could no longer sustain the explosive performances that defined his peak years.

“Despite our passion, our love for football, and our desire to play forever, I think in the end, the body decides everything,” Ronaldo said. “I don’t play football now because my mind works in a way that my body just cannot keep up with”.

The Brazilian included Neymar in his assessment, suggesting that both players have reached a stage where ambition and physical capacity are moving in different directions.

Cristiano’s World Cup Legacy

Cristiano Ronaldo played in all five of Portugal’s matches at the 2026 World Cup, scoring three goals — including strikes against Uzbekistan and a penalty against Croatia. His goal against Croatia made him the first male player to score in six different World Cup editions. His strikes against Uzbekistan also took him past Eusébio as Portugal’s all-time leading scorer in World Cup history.

Despite these milestones, his performances divided opinion, particularly during Portugal’s 1-0 defeat to Spain. The 41-year-old has already confirmed that he will not play at another World Cup, though he has not announced his complete retirement from international football.

Future with Portugal Remains Uncertain

New Portugal coach Jorge Jesus, who managed Ronaldo at Al Nassr last season, has kept the door open for the veteran forward. During his first public appearance as Portugal coach, Jesus stated: “Cristiano Ronaldo is never going to be a problem”.

However, Ronaldo Nazário’s message is clear: passion alone cannot defy the body’s limits. “No matter how strong the passion and love for football are, in the end the body decides when it’s time to stop,” he concluded.

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Ronaldo Nazário won the World Cup with Brazil in 1994 and 2002, and was named FIFA World Player of the Year three times.