
Audio By Carbonatix
Cristiano Ronaldo is set to play in a record sixth World Cup after being selected in Portugal's squad for this summer's tournament.
The 41-year-old forward, who holds the men's record for all-time international appearances (226) and goals (143), is one of six players to have played in five World Cups.
That group includes his former La Liga rival Lionel Messi, who is also set to play in his sixth World Cup after leading Argentina to victory in Qatar four years ago.
Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d'Or winner, has been playing for Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr since January 2023.
He is eligible for all of Portugal's group games having avoided a three-match ban after being sent off in their penultimate World Cup qualifier against the Republic of Ireland in November.
There were no surprises from coach Roberto Martinez as he named a squad of "27 players plus one", a reference to former Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, who died in a car crash last July.
"He is our strength, our joy," said Martinez. "Losing Diogo was an unforgettable and very difficult moment, but the very next day it was up to all of us to fight for Diogo's dream and for the example he always set in our national team.
"Diogo Jota's spirit, strength and example are the plus one and will always be the plus one."
The squad also features Bruno Fernandes, who aims to claim the outright record for most assists in a Premier League season as Manchester United play their final game of the season this Sunday.
Meanwhile, Paris St-Germain quartet Vitinha, Joao Neves, Nuno Mendes and Goncalo Ramos are set to play in the Champions League final against Arsenal on 30 May.
Portugal have friendlies against Chile and Nigeria before their World Cup opener against DR Congo in Houston on 17 June.
They also face Uzbekistan in Houston before concluding their Group K campaign against Colombia in Miami.
Portugal's World Cup squad
Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (Porto), Jose Sa (Wolves), Rui Silva (Sporting), Ricardo Velho (Genclerbirligi).
Defenders: Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), Matheus Nunes (Manchester City), Ruben Dias (Manchester City), Nelson Semedo (Fenerbahçe), João Cancelo (Barcelona), Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain), Gonçalo Inácio (Sporting), Renato Veiga (Villarreal), Tomás Araújo (Benfica).
Midfielders: Ruben Neves (Al-Hilal), Samu Costa (Mallorca), Joao Neves (Paris St-Germain), Vitinha (Paris St-Germain), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City).
Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr), Joao Felix (Al-Nassr), Francisco Trincao (Sporting), Francisco Conceicao (Juventus), Pedro Neto (Chelsea), Rafael Leao (AC Milan), Goncalo Guedes (Real Sociedad), Goncalo Ramos (Paris St-Germain).
Latest Stories
-
Wontumi chose trial over plea bargain – Deputy AG rejects NPP’s ‘political prisoner’ claim
13 seconds -
2 persons arrested for illegal mining activities close to Agenda 111 Hospital
6 minutes -
Prof. Ladé Wosornu mentors SATOC students at maiden edition of SAMP
9 minutes -
As AI reshapes education, Ghana’s future teachers are being told what technology cannot replace
11 minutes -
BoG warns of regulatory action against Unlicensed Digital Credit Service Providers
14 minutes -
I will eventually switch from reggae and dancehall to highlife – Sugar Ranking
23 minutes -
Wontumi’s lawyers only sought an adjournment, not to move motions – Deputy AG
27 minutes -
No legal basis for Wontumi’s conviction – Atta Akyea fights back
33 minutes -
Miracles Aboagye disputes GH¢55m claim in EOCO probe
48 minutes -
Kenneth Ashigbey denies influencing Wontumi trial, dismisses judge relationship claims as false
49 minutes -
Egyapa Mercer offers free 2026 BECE result checking support for Sekondi constituents
1 hour -
Judges are not obliged to refer every constitutional claim to Supreme Court – Srem-Sai replies Minority
1 hour -
I was shocked to find my name on EOCO’s stop list – Miracles Aboagye
1 hour -
JICA is committed to strengthening laboratory capacity and biomedical research networks across Africa – JICA Ghana Chief Representative
1 hour -
Wontumi’s defence fundamentally misunderstood the law – Deputy AG
2 hours