Maniche Backs 41-Year-Old Ronaldo for 2026 World Cup Glory

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Former Portugal midfielder Maniche insists Cristiano Ronaldo still deserves his place in the national squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Ronaldo, now 41, is set to feature at a record sixth World Cup while playing club football for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia. He remains football’s all-time leading goalscorer with 973 career strikes. In an exclusive interview with a leading sports outlet, Maniche said Ronaldo’s talent and experience still command respect. He argued that even if the forward’s physicality has changed, he continues to unsettle defenders and create chances for teammates. As debate rages over Portugal’s attack for North America next summer, Maniche believes Ronaldo’s ambition and leadership make him the best option up front.

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