AFCON 2025
Diogo Dalot says every Portugal player wants to help Cristiano Ronaldo live out “a beautiful story” by winning the World Cup before he retires.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner will be 41 by the time next year’s World Cup is staged in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
This will be Ronaldo’s final crack at winning the competition, which has eluded him in his five previous attempts. Although, he has led Portugal to glory at Euro 2016, as well as the 2019 Nations League.
Roberto Martinez’s side are still in contention to win this year’s Nations League, as they prepare to face Denmark in the two-legged quarter-finals.
“Obviously, it is difficult to find more adjectives to describe Cristiano,” he said.
“For me, and I believe for others too, it is a huge privilege to continue having him in the national team, to share moments, and to soak up the experience of his career. There is this energy of wanting to see him win big competitions for Portugal.
“The love he has shown throughout his career cannot be questioned and, for us – using that as an example – it would be a beautiful story to see him win as many competitions as possible for Portugal. I believe that every player wants that.”
