2026年9月10日

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21 Years in the Making: 40-Year-Old Ronaldo Wins Another Title – Can the 2026 World Cup Cement His GOAT Status?

At 40 years old, Cristiano Ronaldo has finally claimed his third international trophy with Portugal after a dramatic penalty shootout win over Spain in the Nations League final. Once a lone warrior, Ronaldo now leads arguably the strongest Portuguese squad ever assembled. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, can this golden generation help him chase one last dream—and finally rival Messi in the GOAT debate?

2025年6月10日 來源: ZAKER

1. A Long-Awaited Moment: Ronaldo's Third National Team Trophy

Portugal defeated Spain in a tense shootout to claim their second UEFA Nations League title. For Ronaldo, it marked his third major international trophy—adding to his 2016 Euro win and the 2019 Nations League.

After 21 years of carrying the national team on his back, the aging legend now has a squad full of elite talent across all positions:

  • Forwards: João Félix, Diogo Jota, Gonçalo Ramos
  • Wingers: Rafael Leão, Pedro Neto, Francisco Conceição, Trincão
  • Midfielders: Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Vitinha, Rúben Neves, João Neves, Palhinha
  • Defenders: Rúben Dias, Gonçalo Inácio, Nuno Mendes, Diogo Dalot, António Silva
  • Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa, José Sá

2. Ronaldo: “This Generation Deserves It”

An emotional Ronaldo said post-match, “We deserve this. We've worked hard, and finally, we got the victory. This will give us confidence for the World Cup. I believe we can compete with any team.”

As the 2026 tournament approaches, Ronaldo sees it as his final opportunity to win football’s greatest prize—and perhaps rewrite history.

3. If He Wins the World Cup: Can Ronaldo Truly Rival Messi?

A World Cup triumph would bring Ronaldo’s international tally to:

  • 1 World Cup
  • 1 Euro
  • 2 Nations Leagues

Messi holds:

  • 1 World Cup
  • 2 Copa Américas
  • 1 Finalissima

Club-wise, Ronaldo leads in Champions League titles (5 vs. 4) and is the all-time top scorer. Messi, however, has 8 Ballon d'Ors to Ronaldo’s 5.

Even if Ronaldo never surpasses Messi, a World Cup would level the playing field in the eternal GOAT discussion.

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End of an Era: Chile Misses 3rd Straight World Cup as Sanchez & Vidal Bow Out in Heartbreak

Chile has officially been eliminated from the 2026 World Cup qualifiers after a 0-2 loss to Bolivia in the 16th round of the South American zone. With only 10 points and sitting bottom of the table, Chile will miss a third consecutive World Cup. This defeat marks a painful farewell for legends Alexis Sanchez and Arturo Vidal, closing the chapter of Chile's golden generation.

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