{"id":12688,"date":"2025-11-04T21:55:53","date_gmt":"2025-11-04T21:55:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/2025\/11\/04\/does-cristiano-ronaldo-need-a-world-cup-to-be-considered-one-of-the-greatest-soccer-players-of-all-time\/"},"modified":"2025-11-04T21:55:53","modified_gmt":"2025-11-04T21:55:53","slug":"does-cristiano-ronaldo-need-a-world-cup-to-be-considered-one-of-the-greatest-soccer-players-of-all-time","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/2025\/11\/04\/does-cristiano-ronaldo-need-a-world-cup-to-be-considered-one-of-the-greatest-soccer-players-of-all-time\/","title":{"rendered":"Does Cristiano Ronaldo need a World Cup to be considered one of the greatest soccer players of all time?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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a<\/span>There’s one thing missing from 40-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo’s legendary career, but Lionel Messi already has it: winning a World Cup title with his beloved Portugal.<\/p>\n
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Portugal unveils special edition jersey of legend not Cristiano Ronaldo<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
CR7 doesn’t shy away from challenges. Over two decades and 34 major trophies under his belt, the Portuguese superstar has defined an era of global football dominance. He conquered England, ruled Spain, silenced critics in Italy – and still fills the internet every week in Saudi Arabia.<\/p>\n
But the one prize, the FIFA World Cup, remains out of reach. He has never made it to the finals of an international tournament, and 2026 will be his last chance. And experts say Portugal are not contenders to lift the trophy in North America next summer.<\/p>\n
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Fitness guru reveals surprising changes after 3 months of intense training<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
Messi’s World Cup changed the conversation<\/h2>\n
For years, the Ronaldo vs. Messi debate has divided the football world in two. Then, on December 18, 2022, when Argentina’s Lionel Messi lifted the Qatar World Cup, millions of people suddenly declared an end to the debate, some for good.<\/p>\n
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Manchester United’s Diogo makes bold statement while ranking Cristiano and Beckham<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
Ronaldo noticed the change. But he doesn’t agree that one tournament should be so important. “What defines it? If I’m one of the greatest players of all time? Winning one tournament, six or seven? Do you think that’s fair?” he told Piers Morgan.<\/p>\n
Still, the reality is harsh. For many fans, Messi has the only trophy that Ronaldo does not have. And it’s very likely that Cristiano won’t win the World Cup, which will fuel the debate and leave a pretty big mark on the Portuguese’s career.<\/p>\n
International career remains unparalleled<\/h2>\n
Ronaldo is not completely ineligible for the national team. He is the all-time leading scorer in international soccer. He played a key role in Portugal winning the first major trophy in men’s history, Euro 2016 champions. And they did it again in 2019 by winning the UEFA Nations League.<\/p>\n
Cristiano has scored against 48 countries. He has 132 goals in 214 caps (and counting). In fact, he is one win away from having the most international wins. Portugal was never a world power until Ronaldo arrived. What after Cristiano? Champion – 2 times.<\/p>\n
But for some, no World Cup = no GOAT. Ronaldo is one of the few players to be successful anywhere. The Premier League champion made his international breakthrough with Manchester United. A superstar in La Liga, a Champions League killer with Real Madrid and a Serie A winner with Juventus. Currently active as the face of the Saudi Pro League<\/p>\n
The great man traveled with him, and the records followed. Ronaldo is expected to lead Portugal to the 2026 World Cup, making his sixth appearance on the biggest stage. There he faces the final challenge of removing the only asterisk that critics cling to. truth? Ronaldo’s place as one of the greatest scorers and most accomplished winners in history is already secured. He doesn’t need a World Cup to prove anything.<\/p>\n
But one win? It would be the ultimate mic drop, the last missing line on an already legendary football resume. Bottom line: Ronaldo is already a legend. If the World Cup takes place, he will be untouchable.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n