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Former Chelsea star William Gallas thinks Cristiano Ronaldo's final World Cup dream will end badly. The Portuguese legend is running out of time to win the one trophy that has always escaped him.
Ronaldo watched his biggest rival Lionel Messi finally win the World Cup in 2022 with Argentina. That victory completed Messi's trophy collection, and many fans believe it settled the debate about who is football's greatest player. Now Ronaldo desperately wants to do the same thing.
The 40-year-old Al Nassr striker has won almost everything with Portugal. He helped them win the 2016 European Championship and two Nations League titles, including one earlier this year. But the World Cup has always been too difficult for him.
His latest attempt ended in disappointment in Qatar in 2022. Portugal went out in the quarter-finals whilst Messi's Argentina went on to win the whole tournament.
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The 2026 World Cup will be Ronaldo's last chance. He'll be 41 years old by then and has just signed a new contract with Al Nassr until 2027. This is his final opportunity to match Messi's achievement.
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Gallas believes Ronaldo will fail to win World Cup
But Gallas doesn't think it will happen. Speaking to Prime Casino, he said:
Cristiano Ronaldo will be at the World Cup next summer, and either way, it'll be emotional. He may not be able to start games anymore, but he can still come off the bench.
William Gallas
The former defender believes Portugal have a strong team, but Ronaldo's age is a problem. Gallas warned:
It'll be incredibly hard for Ronaldo to fulfil his dream. It will probably end in tears.
I’m the most complete player in football history - Cristiano Ronaldo
At 41, Ronaldo might only be a substitute player rather than Portugal's main striker.
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After nearly 20 years as his country's star player, this would be a big change. Time is running out for one of football's greatest players.