As the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America draws closer, football’s ultimate evergreen superstar, Cristiano Ronaldo, is set to etch his name among the oldest players ever to grace the tournament, continuing a legacy of age-defying performances that have defined the competition’s rich history. Ronaldo, who turned 41 on 5 February 2026, has repeatedly confirmed that this summer’s tournament will be his sixth and final World Cup appearance. The Portugal captain, still playing club football for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, has made it clear he intends to lead his nation one last time on the global stage. PUNCH Online takes a look at some of the world’s oldest players in World Cup history who have graced the global showpiece:Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal, Forward) — 41 years (2026)Essam El Hadary (Egypt, Goalkeeper) — 45 years (2018 vs Saudi Arabia)Faryd Mondragón (Colombia, Goalkeeper) — 43 years (2014 vs Japan)Roger Milla (Cameroon, Forward) — 42 years (1994 vs Russia)Pat Jennings (Northern Ireland, Goalkeeper) — 41 years (1986 vs Brazil)Peter Shilton (England, Goalkeeper) — 40 years (1990 vs Italy)Dino Zoff (Italy, Goalkeeper) — 40 years (1982 vs West Germany, final)Ali Boumnijel (Tunisia, Goalkeeper) — 40 years (2006 vs Ukraine)Jim Leighton (Scotland, Goalkeeper) — 39 years (1998 vs Morocco)Ronaldo’s participation in the 2026 World Cup will not only underline his extraordinary longevity at the top of the game but also place him among an elite group of players whose careers have spanned multiple decades and multiple tournaments.

Source: Punch March 27, 2026 17:45 UTC