If plucky Portugal can somehow defy the odds, however, and secure their spot at the World Cup with a win in Dublin, it will be Ronaldo\u2019s last chance to secure the one major trophy that has eluded him in his career.<\/p>\n
Having taken part in five World Cups – 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022 – Ronaldo is the only male player to have scored in five different tournaments, but he has never come closer to winning the World Cup than his first time.<\/p>\n
![\"German](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/00237863-614.jpg\"\/)
\nA callow Ronaldo at the 2006 World Cup<\/p>\n
The 2006 tournament in Germany was Ronaldo\u2019s World Cup debut and they made it all the way to the semi-finals before losing 1-0 to France. Since then they haven\u2019t made it past the quarter-finals.<\/p>\n
The 2022 World Cup in Qatar was widely assumed at the time to be his last one, particularly given how emotional he was when Portugal were edged out 1-0 by Morocco.<\/p>\n
However Ronaldo has shown remarkable longevity as a player, aided by the more pastoral route his club career has taken since leaving a basketcase Manchester United side for the Saudi Pro League in 2022.<\/p>\n
His trip to the Middle East not only helped Ronaldo pad out his bank balance and goal record – he has 83 goals in 85 games for Al Nassr \u2013 but has also helped to prolong his career.<\/p>\n
Four seasons in a league that could charitably be called ‘less demanding\u2019 along with the fact that no player in the Saudi Pro League would ever want to be known as the man who injured the crown jewel of the state\u2019s soccer programme, has probably bought Ronaldo a bonus World Cup.<\/p>\n
Above all, it\u2019s the one competition he\u2019s desperate to win \u2013 apart from perhaps another Ballon d\u2019Or.<\/p>\n
With 34 senior trophies in his career, including five Champions Leagues, three Premier Leagues, and a brace of La Liga and Scudetto titles, Ronaldo is among the most decorated players to ever kick a ball.<\/p>\n
Crucially however, he trails his great rival Lionel Messi.<\/p>\n
Their names are synonymous with one another. You can barely mention one without speaking of the other and even today, with one plying his trade in the MLS and the other in Saudi Arabia, playground arguments over who is the best continue across the world.<\/p>\n
That we had two players of their talents, playing at the peak of their powers at the same time is remarkable. Add in the fact that one was at Barcelona and the other Real Madrid and the rivalry between the two become perhaps the most scrutinised there\u2019s ever been in the game.<\/p>\n
That nine-year spell in Spain between 2009 and 2018 when Messi stood in the blue\/red corner and Ronaldo in the white, is already fondly remembered as a golden era for the game.<\/p>\n
The rivalry between the two started in earnest the season before Ronaldo left Manchester United for Real Madrid when Barcelona put on a footballing masterclass in the Champions League final to beat United on a very flattering 2-0 scoreline.<\/p>\n
![\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/00237866-614.jpg\"\/)
\nThe greatest rivalry ever?<\/p>\n
When Ronaldo arrived at Madrid he faced a Barcelona side at their peak of their powers winning La Liga in 2010, 2011, and 2013, along with two Champions Leagues in 2009 and 2011.<\/p>\n
However Ronaldo was a huge part of Madrid breaking that Barcelona dominance and he eventually became the centerpiece of Madrid\u2019s counter-attacking system under Jos\u00e9 Mourinho. The clashes between the two symbolised contrasting styles – Messi\u2019s creativity versus Ronaldo\u2019s power and pace – making their duel a defining era in soccer.<\/p>\n
Ronaldo would eventually leave Madrid with two La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues, before a successful spell with Juventus in Italy.<\/p>\n
With both Ronaldo and Messi prolonging their careers far longer than anyone would have expected, there\u2019s always going to be the tantalising prospect of a final showdown between the two.<\/p>\n
While the best days of both players are now behind them, they have been able to reduce the wear and tear on their bodies in less demanding club leagues and a final hurrah at the 2026 World Cup in a Portugal v Argentina clash would be a landmark occasion.<\/p>\n
Argentina have already secured their place at the tournament, becoming the first CONMEBOL team to qualify back in March. Now it\u2019s over to Portugal and Ronaldo.<\/p>\n
That is of course if they can beat Hallgr\u00edmsson\u2019s men in Dublin.<\/p>\n
Cristiano Ronaldo was a little bit too early for Portugal’s press conference in Dublin this evening, but popped in for a quick photo nonetheless #RTEsoccer<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/ioNZtbZs0A<\/a><\/p>\n