Cristiano Ronaldo has been named in Portugal's squad for the upcoming World Cup, marking his participation in a record sixth tournament. The 41-year-old forward, who currently holds the record for the most international appearances (226) and goals (143), is among six players who have competed in five World Cups.

Ronaldo's Legacy and Team Dynamics

Ronaldo joins fellow football icon Lionel Messi in this exclusive group, as Messi is also set to play in his sixth World Cup after leading Argentina to victory in Qatar four years ago. Since January 2023, Ronaldo has been playing for Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr. He will be available for all of Portugal's group matches, having successfully avoided a three-match suspension following a red card in a World Cup qualifier against the Republic of Ireland last November.

Coach's Tribute and Squad Overview

Portugal's coach, Roberto Martinez, announced a squad of "27 players plus one," honoring former Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, who tragically passed away in a car accident last July. Martinez expressed the team's commitment to Jota's legacy, stating, "He is our strength, our joy... it was up to all of us to fight for Diogo's dream and for the example he always set in our national team." The squad includes notable players such as Bruno Fernandes, who is on the verge of breaking the record for most assists in a Premier League season, and several Paris St-Germain players who are preparing for the Champions League final.

Before their World Cup opener against DR Congo in Houston on June 17, Portugal will play friendly matches against Chile and Nigeria. They will also face Uzbekistan in Houston before concluding their Group K campaign against Colombia in Miami.

Portugal's Squad Breakdown

The squad features a mix of experienced players and emerging talents:

• 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 (Fenerbahce), Joao Cancelo (Barcelona), Nuno Mendes (Paris St-Germain), Goncalo Inacio (Sporting), Renato Veiga (Villarreal), Tomas Araujo (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).

As the tournament approaches, all eyes will be on Ronaldo and the Portuguese squad as they aim for success on the world stage.