Cristiano Ronaldo continues to write football history. Starting for Portugal against the Democratic Republic of Congo at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Portuguese forward broke yet another longevity record.
At 41 years and 132 days old, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner became the oldest outfield player ever to start a World Cup match. The achievement is further proof of the extraordinary longevity of a career that began at the highest level more than two decades ago.
This latest appearance also strengthens Ronaldo’s place among football’s all-time greats. The Portuguese captain joins Lionel Messi in the exclusive group of players who have participated in at least one match in six different World Cup tournaments.
Since his World Cup debut in 2006, Cristiano Ronaldo has never missed a final tournament. Against DR Congo, he made his 24th World Cup appearance, further cementing his status as one of the greatest players in football history.
At 41, while most of his contemporaries have long since retired, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to defy time and add to an already remarkable legacy.